This last tornado threat had me running around clearing out my pantry, laundry,
and bath areas to secure all my animals, then I turned around to see all my hens
up against the patio door, sheltering from the pelting rain! Oh no! What do I do
about my girls? I have a nice secure storage shed for them for storms, but a
tornado would squeeze it like an empty beer can and take it off it's concrete
foundation in seconds!
Lucky for me, I have lots of left over rabbit show equipment hanging around. I'm
using the three compartment rabbit show carriers for my hens. It will be too
much of a squeeze to get my big Dominiques in there, but I do have a large
plastic pet carrier for them. Whew! Got those all cleaned up and ready to be
grabbed quickly. I made sure they would fit securely at the back of my pantry,
which is shoehorned under the stairs.
I know many people would just say, "Hey, they're just chickens!" But we all know
they are our much beloved pets, not just animals out in our backyard to make
eggs and amuse us.
Try to figure a disaster plan for all your animals, and a secure place to put
your girls, even if not in carriers, but crammed into the back pantry, bathroom,
or small closet.
If they are show hens, more the reason to develop a good disaster plan for them.
Mine are Silkies, not show quality, but loved, and a couple big Dominiques.
I do feel less anxious now when the weather announcer starts talking about
threatening storms and the chance of tornadoes developing. Having a disaster
plan for your hens can help you feel less anxious also. I even have a plan for
my outdoor box turtles, my two lizards, my snake, us and the dog.
Start thinking about what you can do now and work to remove items in areas you
can use to protect your animals and yourself. This is a great job for a rainy
day and one that could save your and your flock's lives.
Talk to your local feed store about ordering the rabbit show carriers for your hens. Or look online. Be safe out there!
