Windy Conditions Outside - Are Chicken Better Off in Coop?

[Jack and Sara]

It has been pretty windy and will be for another day or two (30 mph+).

This is my Wife and I's first experience raising chickens. We got 4 meat birds and 4 layers at the end of May this year. We harvested 3 meat birds last month and kept 1 meat bird because she was little smaller and has the best personality of the bunch [we are monitoring her weight and seems to be doing great]. We are eagerly awaiting our first egg

With that, this is our first experience with wind and our chickens, they do not like it at all. They hide under the coop and i am only able to get them to free range with me after i get home for work [outside of that, they are more or less huddled up under the coop]. They seem a lot more content in the the Coop [9'x6' coop that is pretty much a bedroom]. Today i left them in the Coop and have the windows only cracked to keep the wind and noise down. Any thoughts or suggestions? Are they okay in there for the day? [or couple days]

 

[ChickenCanoe]

In short, the answer to your question is no. They are outdoor animals capable of withstanding an amazing array of climactic conditions. I've occasionally had chickens that chose to sleep high in trees in all weather.

 

[6BeachChicks]

As long as nothing can fall on them, they are good. They have nice thick feathers to keep them warm. If they want to be in the coop then it’s their choice.

 

[Jack and Sara]

Thank you for the replies. I will have my wife open up their door and they can wonder where they see fit.

I thought we might be a little paranoid. [one of the chicks had a sneeze, we now have a full chicken medical supply kit, including nasal flush. haha]

Can't believe how fast the responses were, this is a great source. Thank you for your responses.

 

[6BeachChicks]

No problem! It’s great that you have a chicken first aid kit, you will most likely need it. Make sure their coop door can’t blow shut.

 

[Boise-girls]

For longer term, you might also consider adding "clutter" to your free range area - places they can hide from predators and weather. Here's one of several articles on that topic:
Blocks, Bricks, and Pavers -- The Critical Chicken-Keeping Equipment the “Chickens 101” Articles Don’t Mention

 

[Sally PB]

@Jack and Sara, welcome! Where are you located? Climate makes a big difference in the advice people give. What works for me in Michigan doesn't work for someone in Florida, for example.

You can add your location to your profile. Just the state is fine, or country if you're outside the US. Then it's always there so people can tailor their advice appropriately.

 

[45lk9p459gm-w]

Why not just let the birds decide where they are more comfortable. Mine have all day access to the coop and run and are constantly moving between the two as they choose. If it's too windy or raining too hard, they just pile up in the coop until conditions are more to their liking.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

Mine love getting their feathers all ruffled by the wind! If it were mid-winter, I think the answer may be different as they'll likely seek shelter in your coop. But in the Fall like now, they love it.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The most important thing you can do for their health is provide as much fresh air as possible. Sneezing can be a sign they have been too closely confined. All sorts of pathogens can prosper in a closed coop with moisture, soiled bedding and insufficient influx of fresh air.
They are not cave dwellers.