Calling all free rangers!! Severe thunderstorm!!

[DiYMama540]

Most of this post will be directed to others that choose to free range, as I'm assuming birds in the coop are safe from this sort of thing. I know there are multiple risks associated with free ranging, and this is just one of the many, but letting my girls roam for the day is what makes me happiest. With that being said.....

We are having strings of severe thunderstorms coming through our area this week (heavy rain, wind, lightning, thunder, even hail). What do you guys have to keep your birds out of weather like this?

I've got a large deck with a section of metal roofing underneath it to keep things dry. All the chickens head under the deck, no coaxing. Ducks have been a little slower about getting out of the weather, but even they eventually decide to find shelter. Then we have the geese...they were literally standing, frozen, in the middle of all the mess!! When I went outside to usher them under the deck they snapped out of it and went willingly to shelter.

What works for everyone else?? Do any of your birds freeze when bad weather comes through?? Aside from being struck by lightning or pelted by hail, are there any other dangers of being out in the thunderstorms???

 

[BantyChooks]

My birds go into their coop during thunderstorms. I have encountered no issues with them getting themselves to shelter. Some may stay out, albeit under a structure, but they appear fine—just wet.

 

[DiYMama540]

Going to the coop would be ideal! Mine only feel the need to visit their coop when it's bedtime...crazy birds!

 

[BeccaDoe]

I just went into the garage to soothe my little ones. This is their first big thunderstorm, and my brother swears we had hail!

 

[2 many chickens]

I don't do anything. My birds and ducks have enough sense to get under cover.

 

[igorsMistress]

My flock usually finds shelter, whether coop or something else, until the storm passes. Sometimes I think they don't have enough sense to get out of the rain though. They stand out there in it and complain but they stay out there.

 

[DiYMama540]

I don't do anything. My birds and ducks have enough sense to get under cover.

Lol...in lies my problem...not enough sense apparently!!

 

[That_australian_lad]

My birds go into their coop during thunderstorms. I have encountered no issues with them getting themselves to shelter. Some may stay out, albeit under a structure, but they appear fine—just wet.

x2

 

[2 many chickens]

Lol...in lies my problem...not enough sense apparently!!

I do have one or two that will stand there outside of their coop and drench themselves. They could easilly turn around and go inside.
They don't care lol

 

[That_australian_lad]

I do have one or two that will stand there outside of their coop and drench themselves. They could easilly turn around and go inside.
They don't care lol

my silkie does that