Soaking wet chickens!

[squelchy69]

We've just had a downpour here in London - no surprise there! I was at work and came home to find three soaking wet hens sitting in their run. It appears that none of them had the sense to go under the roof area or into the coop! Is it ok to leave them wet to dry off themselves?

 

[jsimplytx125]

I would shut them in the coop for the day, so they will be out of wind, rain. remember the food and water. They should be fine.

 

[Pinky]

You can let them dry on their own. It's been raining here for three dayss now and my chickens stand out in the rain, dry off, and then go back out. They're crazy

 

[bgelber]

Most of mine will come out of their coop straight to the back door and peck on it when it's raining. I swear they are saying we know it's dry in there so let us in. But after they figure out I'm not letting them in the house they go out in the rain and scratch around, I haven't lost any except the stupid ones that drown in the duck pond.

 

[Gypsy07]

Mine free range out in the rain all the time. If they didn't, they'd hardly ever get out - I live near Glasgow and it's raining more often than not up here! If it's really pouring down they'll usually shelter under something but they still end up pretty soggy a lot of the time. I've never worried too much about them and they always seem to dry off okay in the coop overnight. It doesn't seem to be a problem for them.

 

[cottage19]

Our free range Pennsylvania hens love the rain and during the summer they are often soaking wet but during the colder months I do herd them back inside the barn or coop so they can dry off before bed time. It's been a cold wet winter in PA and they are all happy, healthy and none the worse for their showers...

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

My girls could care less about the rain. They go outside no matter what the weather (unless its snowing hard). They always look like drowned rats when it is a heavy downpour but it doesnt seem to bother them. If you're really worried, you could always lock them in the coop on heavy rain days. I will warn you though, they will be very mad and you will pay!!!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

They will dry out overnight as they huddle together. Mine do this also.

If it is below freezing that night I turn on the 100 watt bulbs in their coops.

 

[squelchy69]

Thanks everyone. I'm such a worrier! X

 

[kandooshe]

thanx all ...