Bad weather preparation tips!

[Quail_]

Before I start i just wanted to say if this is in the wrong area for asking, I'm sorry lol.

For people who get tornados or worse weather and have chickens, what do you do to keep your flock safe? I'm not in an area with tornadoes but we've gotten warnings before. I just want some suggestions on what to get so I'm able to safely store my chickens.

I have three dogs and one has killed chickens before. So unfortunately i will need something heavy duty, though we will be with the dogs I just don't want to risk my dog trying to get them. I do have one medium sized dog kennel that could realistically fit all of them but that's just cruel for me so if only put maybe two or three of them in it.

I'm probably gonna get another dog kennel but I just would like to see some ideas that others use. Even if it's not heavy duty, truthfully I would like to see it.

Just incase the size of my chickens matter. I have two buff orpingtons, one is a big girl another is smaller. Two black sex links, both big, a golden laced Wyandotte, she's medium sized, and two bantoms.

 

[Ajp23]

I totally understand your concerns. I live in tornado valley and haven’t really thought of this and the reason is because when there is a tornado it is an IMMEDIATE threat that would not allow time to prepare for anything other than getting yourself, your family and possibly easily corralled animals to safety (indoor pets, etc). I love our chickens and goats but in a real tornado emergency, I would not risk running outside to collect them.

This is probably not the same for everyone and may be considered a cold response, but we’ve had a lot of close calls and there was just enough time to get my kids to safety, no time to spare.

If there are hurricanes, winter storm warning etc. that allow for more time, I agree that having a plan is excellent! Most of the time, enclosing them in a secure and weather safe coop will be enough.

I trust others here will have other experiences and opinions to share! Lots of good people will chime in! Probably people a lot more compassionate than me! (even though we ADORE our outside pets).

 

[Quail_]

I totally understand your concerns. I live in tornado valley and haven’t really thought of this and the reason is because when there is a tornado it is an IMMEDIATE threat that would not allow time to prepare for anything other than getting yourself, your family and possibly easily corralled animals to safety (indoor pets, etc). I love our chickens and goats but in a real tornado emergency, I would not risk running outside to collect them.

This is probably not the same for everyone and may be considered a cold response, but we’ve had a lot of close calls and there was just enough time to get my kids to safety, no time to spare.

If there are hurricanes, winter storm warning etc. that allow for more time, I agree that having a plan is excellent! Most of the time, enclosing them in a secure and weather safe coop will be enough.

I trust others here will have other experiences and opinions to share! Lots of good people will chime in! Probably people a lot more compassionate than me! (even though we ADORE our outside pets).

Sorry this took so long to reply but I truly never thought about that with tornadoes. I've had experienced hurricane sandy and some bad thunderstorms. I clearly assumed they were about the same.

I know last time when ny had a very high chance of a tornado, one of my dogs refused to go down stairs. Thankfully nothing happened but for some silly reason I still believe I could have more time. Thank you again.

 

[Ajp23]

Not silly at all!! We all have the desire to protect all our living things so I totally understand. I’m the same way!

 

[CabritaChicks]

The 2025 Atlantic/Caribbean Sea hurricane season, spanning June 1 to November 30, is projected to be more active than average, potentially impacting the Virgin Islands. Colorado State University (CSU) forecasts 17 named storms, with nine developing into hurricanes and four reaching major hurricane status (Category 3 or higher). Notably, the Caribbean region faces a 56% probability of experiencing at least one major hurricane, exceeding the long-term average of 47%.

These predictions are influenced by factors such as warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic and the anticipated transition from La Niña to neutral ENSO conditions, both of which can enhance hurricane development.

We all re meber last year- when weather junkies said 'Beryl is just a tropical storm- no need to worry'.... and of course it was a frick'n hurricane which caught many off guard..Which is why I listen to Puerto Rico for a lot of weather as they will call a spade a spade.

We have a hurricane shelter for the peeps. It is partially underground (built into the side of a bedrock slope), 12" poored concrete- even the roof, reinforced with steel beams, birds go in travel carriers, and are placed down there.

It’s important to have emergency supplies on hand—not just for yourself, but for your chickens too:

• Stock up on essentials: Keep extra feed, clean water, and any specific dietary items your chicks may need.
• Add vitamins to water during stress: Supplementing their drinking water with vitamins can help boost immunity and reduce stress during and after the storm.
• Have fruit juice on hand: A small amount of natural fruit juice can provide a quick glucose boost if chicks appear weak or lethargic.
• Use probiotics: After a storm, chemical runoff and trash exposure can cause digestive issues, especially if the chicks are grazing—probiotics can help stabilize their gut.
• Keep a basic antibiotic on hand: In case of injury or sudden infection, especially when vet access might be limited, having a broad-spectrum antibiotic can be lifesaving. Because as you know- many of our islands dont even have veterinary clinics, and those that do will be inundated with mammals- not chickens (and I am the only avian specialist for St Thomas and St John).
• Create a secure indoor brooder: Move chicks to a sturdy, draft-free indoor brooder well before the storm. Use a lidded, ventilated bin or secure enclosure elevated off the ground to avoid flood risk.
• Soundproof the brooder: Muffle thunder and wind with a blanket or thick towel draped over the brooder (without blocking ventilation), and consider playing calming music or ambient sounds to ease panic.
• If you keep chickens in a place where accident or disasters are a regular feat, a basic first aid kit is a must. At the very least, keep some cornstarch on hand. It might seem like just a kitchen staple, but it works wonders for stopping bleeding in minor injuries. Just sprinkle it gently over the wound and apply light pressure (or use some vet wrap)—it can buy you time when every second counts.

Get everything NOW- as people know, we run out of everything in seconds due to transport issues on a regular basis- one week we have an item, the next it is sold out. It gets worse during hurricanes- and make sure you have CASH (not just for your own food (as power goes out for weeks at a time), but also if the feed store is still standing- and you need to buy supplies.

Beyond that, hubby just put poured concrete blocks with eyelets sticking out of the ground, so we can attempt to strap the coop down.

(this is copied from what I wrote in the Virgin Islands forum)