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Severity 4/5environmental

Heat Stress

Chickens cannot sweat. Above 90 F they pant and dump heat through their comb. Heavy birds, dark feathered birds, and those with large fluffy bodies are most at risk.

AI illustration of Heat Stress
AI illustration of Heat Stress

Mix of AI illustrations and anonymized real cases shared by community keepers. Visual severity varies by bird, age, and stage.

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Symptoms

  • Panting / open mouth breathing
  • Wings held away from body
  • Pale comb
  • Lethargic / not moving
  • Drop in egg production
  • Sudden death

Treatment

Move the bird to deep shade or air conditioning. Dip feet in cool (not cold) water. Offer cool electrolyte water. For severe cases, mist the bird gently. Do not submerge a heat stroked bird in ice water, the shock can kill her.

Prevention

Provide deep shade. Add ice blocks to waterers. Offer frozen treats (watermelon, peas). Use shallow pans of cool water for foot dips. Run a fan in the coop. Ventilate the roost area.

Sources