Can they handle REALLY windy days?

[fluffychicksmomma]

I don't think this is under the appropriate topic, but couldn't find one that fits it. I have 5 Silkie hens. Seems like they want to be outside during the day no matter what the weather is like. I have seen them stand in the pouring rain and even sleet. I can't decide if they are too dumb to go in the coop or what! Today is super windy, (high wind warnings), but not too cold, in the 40's, no sun. I'm wondering if I shoudldforce them into the coop or let them stay out in it? They go in every night, and I lock their door, but they won't step inside during the day even though the door stays open. I just am not sure if the wind is bad for them or not. Thanks for any advice!

 

[Ed62]

I don't have an answer for you, but mine act the same way. When we had strong winds (gusts over 50 mph), I let them decide for themselves what to do. They stayed outside all day with no apparent problems, although I kept waiting to see if they were flying way above the rooftops.

Ed

 

[Buugette]

My silkies do the same thing... my polish on the other hand would rather be inside the sun room on such a day... "on her chair"...

 

[fluffychicksmomma]

Yeah, I keep wondering if they are finally going to be able to "fly", lol! But they don't seem to care.

 

[RIBill]

Most bad weather days mine hunker down in the most sheltered corner outside. They went through some really wind days with no ill effects. They have also gotten soaked to the bone too without a care. For the winter, I just put a stack of second-hand straw bales next to their favorite spot to block the wind but I think that's more for me than them.

 

[fluffychicksmomma]

Thanks for the replies, I will quit worrying about them. Or try anyway, lol!

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

Make sure that they aren't being BULLIED into standing in the rain and wind (i.e.: the larger chickens have the good resting spots).

I have had this happen, and very hungry and wet silkies went to bed like that, tired out from free ranging because the shelter was being taken.

 

[Qi Chicken]

Mine really don't like the high wind days. We did loose Bubbles for about an hour. I still don't know if she blew away or was just hiding. I found a nest with 3 of her blue eggs in it in the tall grass when I was looking for her.

 

[centrarchid]

High winds increases energy requirements, especially when air temperature low. Birds also have to work a little harder getting around. Cold windy days my spend a lot of time around wind breaks. They also spend more time around feeders.

 

[Imp]

I worry a bit that they may get hit by debris in high winds.
The furniture on the deck sometimes goes airborne.
Or that they will become debris, and get slammed into something.
I usually keep them in the run if the winds start getting up to about 60mph.

Imp