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dangerous heat!!

16 years ago

Hi,

I never expected to have babies this year but right now I am watching 5 chicks who are 5 days old (technically one is a day younger). I've got a nestcam in this box.

I'm in the south where the temps are dangerously high! The heat index will be between 102-106! I know that the chicks are in danger at these temps (107 is supposed to be the deadly temp).

I have had a small umbrella over the box that is coated inside with material like you find on the silver reflective car dash covers. Over that I have a patio umbrella. I have these umbrellas shading as much as the box as I can without freaking out Mama Blue.

I don't know what the temps were yesterday but the chicks were miserable. I took a fan outside and pointed it up to where the vent in the box is. It did seem to give the chicks some relief but I guess it freaked the parents out because they wouldn't go inside the box.

I am going to put a second patio umbrella to the side of the box. I don't know what else to do.

I'm tempted to try the fan again but the question is: is it more important to keep the chicks cool or have them no fed during the heat of the day?

Nervous, Linda in Acworth, GA

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Comments (8)

bridget_bb
16 years ago
I don't know the answer to your question Linda and was worried to read about the 107 temp issue. We live in N FL. There have been many days where temps have been like yours and our babies seemed to be 'panting'/trying to stay cool (we have a nestcam too). They definitely looked more comfortable and acted differently as evening came around. We have 4 new eggs that should be hatching this week and I know the temps are forecasted to go up. Will have to keep an eye on this thread to see if anyone has any words of wisdom for us!
bridget_bb
16 years ago
Have you seen this page on the sialis site?

http://sialis.org/heat.htm

As you've already got some shielding on there it sounds to me like feeding is important now as the babies get the water they need to stay hydrated from the bugs they get from Mom and Dad. I'm not an expert though so maybe someone else can offer more advice...!
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lisa11310
16 years ago
Hi Linda, I put an ice pack on top (outside) of the box one summer (It doesn't usually get that hot here). I monitored with a meat thermometer. It slowly brought the inside temp down about 2%. I think running the fan in short bursts would be helpful. At 5 days the are eating about every 15-20 minutes. Run it for 10 minutes at a time every so often.
lcmoore99
Original Author
16 years ago
'
Thanks all,

I added the ice pack on top of the box but I think what worked the best is that I have a wireless thermometer setup with the probe inside the nestbox (I like the meat thermometer idea).
When the temps gets to 87 or so, I soak down the outside of the nest box (wo. getting water inside). Then I soak each of the umbrellas, under and on the top. Daddy Blue has watched me do this numerous times and he still gives me heck! Anyway, it brings down the temps as much as 5 degrees depending on the outside temps.

The chicks are 8 days old and the box is getting VERY crowded!

Bluebird blessings, Linda...
bridget_bb
16 years ago
Hi Linda,

Hope your little ones are coping with this heat. We have had 3 hatch today (two actually overnight)and it's sooo hot. Supposed to be feel like temps of 110 so am really hoping they'll be ok. Mom and Dad are doing a good job feeding so hopefully they'll at least stay hydrated. Waiting for one more egg to crack!
janie_may
16 years ago
Linda, I'm in Norcross, getting the same temps. I did add an umbrella on Friday and it keeps the box shaded 100% of the time. Malinda told me that wood is a great insulator plus the momma will regulate the babies temps as long as she's incubating. My four only hatched on Wed. so they are still being incubated......but that will end by tomorrow.

I looked at Bet's "heat shield" and not being handy or having a spouse that's handy, I wouldn't have a clue how to put that together. Maybe I'll hire a handyman to do one next summer.
bridget_bb
16 years ago
Well, I don't know if it was the heat or not but we lost one of our babies sometime between Sunday am and Mon am. It was the smallest of the group and always seemed a little lethargic -- often got stuck under his brothers/sisters. The remaining 3 seem to be doing well --for now....
dtbjsb
16 years ago
We were concerned about this earlier, especially with this last brood which fledged last Sat. We're near the SC coast and have had record temps and heat indicies all summer. But the little guys seem to have made it through. All 12 eggs (5+4+3) hatched and the babies fledged. They are fragile in many ways but in others are pretty tough.

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