The Poultry Keeper

Christine · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 63 Location: somerset

Yes, it's me again, sorry.

I'm concerned, (as usual) about my 2 new girls.

I can't seem to get them to drink enough, (well I don't see them drink at all) they are panting now so I've bought them in the kitchen where it's very cool, and they are on the draining board next to a big bowl of water. Daft things, they're panting and obviously thirsty.

I even put a few meal worms in the water to try to get them to drink, but it won't work. I have given them grapes and cucumber, but I don't want to overdo that as they may get the trots.

I have tried several types of containers, drip ones, round ones, high bowls and low bowls.

Am I being over protective, will they have the initiative to drink when they need it? Do they know how to drink? I really don't want them dehydrated and dying on me.

One worried mum.

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1608 Location: norfolk

I don't think you need worry Christine. They will drink if they need it - honest. If they are cool and like the grapes then they are probably ok. If they have constant access to water they won't come to harm. I rig up old white sheets over the pen and house so that they have shade at all times too. If you do this, go slowly as they can freak out as you put the sheet over.

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 617 Location: Sussex

Yeh, i wouldn't worry. They instinctly know how to drink, so just make sure theres water available and best of luck Smile

!

Christine · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 63 Location: somerset

looking after these little babies is far more stressfull than I remember when I had the human kind!!

I think I'm a bit too anxious for them to settle in well.

Thank you both so much, I'd be lost without this site for advice and reassurance.

JustChickens · Joined: 24 Mar 2008 Posts: 617 Location: Sussex

No problem!

Itsybitsy · Joined: 11 Feb 2006 Posts: 1316 Location: Leicestershire

They are panting because it's hot. Even baby chicks know how to drink. They are probably stressed because they're in a new home and mum is fussing too much. Sometimes animals (and birds) just need to be left alone. They will find the water when they want some.

Itsybitsy

Christine · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 63 Location: somerset

Sandra Hilton · Posted: Sun May 11, 2008 7:54 pm Post subject:

Christine, I was just the same with my first chickens, not so long ago either! It will all become clear to you in the next few days, this time next week you will be wondering why you were so worried! Honest! LoL

S x

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 2715 Location: Monmouthshire

Chicken pant in the heat. Even if they are in the shade and too hot, they pant. Don't worry.

Kitsune · Joined: 13 Mar 2008 Posts: 1083 Location: Manchester

Just as some more interesting info about the panting (since I just did it at uni) it's called gular fluttering and rather than panting like a dog they just flutter the membranes in their throat - if they panted like a dog they would get something called respiratory alkelosis - where the pH of the blood raises to dangerous levels - because of the different structure of their respiratory system.

This fluttering passes air over the moist mucous membranes in their mouth which has lots of blood vessels near the surface, the air movement over the moisture cools the blood underneath by evaporation - which is why they need more liquid in the summer.

With your chicks, because you were feeding them grapes and cucumber they might have been gaining enough water that way.

Christine · Joined: 29 Mar 2008 Posts: 63 Location: somerset

Vikki, many thanks for your comprehensive and informative reply, greatly appreciated, and makes a lot of sense, thank you for taking the time to reply.

I have modified the eglu cube a little, I was anxious about the 2 new girls not coming down to socialise, they had fear stamped across their faces. Well, we rigged up a partition downstairs with chicken wire and canes just for the time being, so they can now feel the grass, smell the fresh air, and they can see the other girls constantly, and they are slowly starting to act more like chickens.

Hope to keep them there another week or so before putting them all into their new home.

I hate seeing any animal upset or in stress, and hopefully we're on the up now. (Next step will be when they start laying........can't wait).

Thank you again to all who have responded.