lilSian Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 Hey, I'm new to the chicken world and quite worried about my lottie, It's been very hot the last few days and today she has been walking around with her wings pushed out as if she is trying to keep cool. There is pleanty of shade for her and water, so i'm not sure if she is just overheating or if she is ill? Can anyone help my little chicky? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilSian Posted July 19, 2010 Author Share Posted July 19, 2010 Oh and can anyone tell me if chickens see in black and white or in colour? hehe just wondering is all Thanks =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 Don't know about colour vision , but yes, if they are hot, they do tend to move wings away from body. As long as they have shade and water they should be fine. Hope that helps a bit. Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilSian Posted July 19, 2010 Author Share Posted July 19, 2010 Thanks =) I feel a bit better now, i was really hoping she wasn't ill =) I also herd that when its hot you shouldnt feed them scratch mix, due to its high energy content, causing the body temperature to rise. not sure if this is true Any veiws? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted July 19, 2010 Share Posted July 19, 2010 What is scratch mix? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilSian Posted July 20, 2010 Author Share Posted July 20, 2010 corn =) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lesleysprite Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Hi chickens see in colour -most birds do, they are visual animals, hence the colourful feathers for attracting mates. They seem particularly attracted to red, may just be my imagination, but they seem to pounce on red treats super fast. May be that's why pecking is such a problem once they draw blood. Don't have the experience to advise about hot birds but lots of people here will. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lavenders_Blue Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 Wings held away from the body and a beak held slightly open are both signs that a hen is cooling herself down. As long as your birds have shade and plenty of fresh water they will be fine. Yes they see in colour and yes corn is heating so it's not recommended for the warmer weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lilSian Posted July 20, 2010 Author Share Posted July 20, 2010 Thanks very much for all the help =) just got to try and get rid of all the flys now hehe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jellykelly Posted July 20, 2010 Share Posted July 20, 2010 flies...... Buy yourself a 'red top fly trap'. I couldn't recommend them enough. I think mine must have massively decreased the fly population in kent! beware though - it stinks when full! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...