Alot of rain

[Stayc]

My chickens free range in my fenced in backyard. It has been all rain for 2 solid days. Yesterday it was 60 degrees so i wasn't too worried but today it's 45 and still rainy and they still want to free range. Is this okay? Or should i keep them confined on these colder rainy days? One of my hens is wet to the skin. Thanks in advance for all your help

 

[SonoranChick]

Mine seem to enjoy the rain, even in the winter. It was 40 degrees out last week, and raining all day. They loved it! I feel like if they were miserable, cold, or uncomfortable, they would let us know with their behavior. I was out there in my raincoat, looking at them like they were crazy mind you this wasn't a torrential downpour or anything crazy, just a cold winter rain. I think they're fine.

 

[imnukensc]

Unless it's pouring, mine free range in the rain no matter the temp. If it starts raining really hard, they'll go back into the run under the covered portion.

 

[Stayc]

Unless it's pouring, mine free range in the rain no matter the temp. If it starts raining really hard, they'll go back into the run under the covered portion.

Thanks for putting my mind at ease. i swear im a helicopter chicken mom

 

[SonoranChick]

At least I'm not the only one.

 

[Stayc]

At least I'm not the only one.

 

[aart]

I had this same concern, until I went in after dark and stuck my hand under the outer feathers and felt the dry under feather and skin....nice and warm.

I let them choose...some seems to not mind staying out in the rain, others abhor it.

 

[chickens really]

Yep..Mine will go outside as others stand at the doorway and won't dare get their feet wet.
I used to be concerned and realized I have nothing to worry about..Mine love the bugs and worms that come out of the soil.

 

[farm_girl726]

I let mine choose. We had some pretty heavy rains the last 2 days and my girls and roosters were outside running around with the ducks like it was no big deal. I figured they'll go back in if they get tired of being wet they looked like drowned rats, i said to my handsom rooster, man you're homely looking today buddy, good luck with those ladies, you're going to need it haha

 

[EggSighted4Life]

I live on the coast in the Pacific Northwest... where it rains non stop for half the year sometimes. Silkies and all others range as they desire. When it's coming down hard they stay under cover. But when it's drizzling they are out enjoying the glut of worms and other bugs that the rain draws out of the ground. Even my broody hens and chicks. Which of course I have a little more concern for... but there moms seem to do good keeping them warm. It's a great question though that I think a lot of people will have.

Your red girl looks like she might be getting a bit much attention from your boy, per her saddle feathers. And your boy... his tail, the very tip looks a bit ratty. I know if they are about a year and haven't molted all my birds start looking a bit rough. And I also know the rain makes everything feathers look much worse. So I can't tell if that's it or not... but might suggest a check for mites or lice. Noting that our winter season is when the vet says lice is worst for us.

It's funny to see them all out foraging in the drizzle and then a sudden down pour comes and they book it to cover. My salmon Faverolle boys looked like some greasy rockers when the neck feathers were all slicked down and hanging kinda long!