Can they handle REALLY windy days?

[centrarchid]

chickens close to ground deal with slower wind velocities than we do. friction with ground. they are also more aerodynamic, well maybe not silkies. My birds, some which are strong fliers, seem to avoid flying in high winds, otherise that can get up to speeds that make landings and avoiding objects difficult. My chickens also tolerate high winds better tha some of their coops. Last wind event sent several of my coops tumbling a couple hundred yards. Chickens stayed put unharmed.

 

[fluffychicksmomma]

Thanks for the heads up! I never thought about them being "bullied". Out of the 5 we have, 3 were chicks that we got together(started with 9 but had 6 roos!), and 2 were a few months old when we got them. I noticed those 2 are the "low men on the totem pole", so I will have to keep on eye on them.
Yeah, I was worried about them getting airborne, never thought about all the stuff in the yard that can get airborne and hit them! The last time I went to check on them, they had finally had the good sense to go under an evergreen shrub that the quail in our yard go under too. Interestingly enough, neither the chickens nor the quail seemed to be bothered by the "sharing".

 

[TheFeatheredTempest]

The young ones in my flock, the "teenagers", are all scared of the wind

The big girls seem oblivious to it.

 

[msteresaann]

At least yours have the good sense to go in at night. If I go out before it's really dark, I have to bribe them into the coop. If I go out well past dark, I find them running around the yard. I was always told they would go in on their own at dusk, not mine! But as soon as they see me at the back door, as long as it is dark, they come running and will follow me to and into the coop. As for the weather, they love to be outside in it all. I figure if they decide they don't like it, they know were their coop is. Hmm, I might have to rethink that, not smart enough to go in at night. I don't know? maybe they feel safe enough they don't worry about the dark; they know if they make a racket I'll come right out. In fact, I believe they may have been testing or even teasing me the last few days. I rush out the door and they all go silent, acting cool like nothings going on. Noise? What noise? Wasn't us! Must be some other chickens!

The TURDS!

 

[fluffychicksmomma]

Wow, mine are the opposite! They go straight to the coop as soon as its dark, and you can't get them to come out. Then, soon as its morning, they act like they are dying to get out, they are all scrunched up against the door waiting for me to unlock it, like they're a bunch of prisoners. : )

 

[wintercluckers]

Mine are the same- we keep a light on in the darker months to prolong the daytime hours and they head toward that light into the coop as soon as it turns on! then in the morning they rush out as soon as the door opens! as for wind, they are afraid of it for sure! and once one goes running for the coop- the rest follow!

 

[BWKatz]

Mine line up against the wire and the Polish have their feathers blowing back like hair.

I did get worried and hung a sheet of plexiglass on the wire as a windbreak. I didn't want to spoil their view... they always want to see when anyone is going by.

I am relieved to know that they won't catch a cold from it.

 

[dovahkiin]

chickens close to ground deal with slower wind velocities than we do. friction with ground. they are also more aerodynamic, well maybe not silkies. My birds, some which are strong fliers, seem to avoid flying in high winds, otherise that can get up to speeds that make landings and avoiding objects difficult. My chickens also tolerate high winds better tha some of their coops. Last wind event sent several of my coops tumbling a couple hundred yards. Chickens stayed put unharmed.

What type of coop do you have? Have you found a way to keep the coop from tumbling? I'm worried about mine in high winds especially my little coop for the bantams.

 

[AllenK RGV]

chickens close to ground deal with slower wind velocities than we do. friction with ground. they are also more aerodynamic, well maybe not silkies. My birds, some which are strong fliers, seem to avoid flying in high winds, otherise that can get up to speeds that make landings and avoiding objects difficult. My chickens also tolerate high winds better tha some of their coops. Last wind event sent several of my coops tumbling a couple hundred yards. Chickens stayed put unharmed.

Agreed I never see my gamebirds take to the wing in strong winds. Honestly I think the silkies are creatures of habit. Mine free range and hit the feeders every day on the way and not opening the coop door at sunrise for them is a case they think needs to go before the International Criminal Court no matter the weather. They always make it back to the coop at night unless they leave the property and get themselves killed by dumped or roaming dogs.

And yep we do get strong wind here https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/...pled-severely-damaged-during-overnight-storm/ Also there is a windmillfarm out back of my property for some reason.

 

[AllenK RGV]

What type of coop do you have? Have you found a way to keep the coop from tumbling? I'm worried about mine in high winds especially my little coop for the bantams.

I build my own coops, but do recommend concrete footings for yours if you are concerned it is a valid concern. Your chicken do not deserve having their safe space tumbling around them. They are easy to traumatize and just don't get over it easily.

We recently rescued another dog and have him broke from chicken chasing and killing, but it cost us a lot of chicken faith points.