Can we train chickens to avoid the rain?

[EmsChooks]

We're in a wet week here in England and my girls don't seem to notice that they are getting wet. When I approach them they'll be stood at the door to their run like its hot and sunny but looking all wet and scrawny

They are filthy dirty where the sand and mud has stuck to them, my white leghorn looks gross right now! It doesn't seem to bother them though and they are all healthy and well

 

[DurangoCal]

It rained steadily for a few hours yesterday and my pulllets all had a blast running around in it-very few got in the coop! They particularly liked to scratch for whatever it is they scratch for perhaps worms? I worry come winter however, getting wet like that might be detrimental to their health.

 

[DDRanch]

I have placed several medium sized dog house type structures around my coop and pen in an effort to give my girls more cover and a place to hide from hawks. Even though they only free range when I am home, they still need additonal protection. When it rains (not a storm) and my girls are out, they will all head for the little houses, rather than go into their coop, and as soon as the rain subsides, out they go again. It's cute to see them all standing in the houses looking out. Mine love a light rain.

 

[scooter147]

Quote:
You hit the nail on the head as to why they don't mind the rain. It brings worms and other bugs to the surface, the moths around here are much easier to catch in the rain.
Unless it's one of those inch and hour type rains mine love free ranging in it.

 

[BackToMyRoots]

I think chickens must be smarter than I always thought, because mine are the same way: during a really bad storm, they go upstairs, but during a lighter rain, they enjoy themselves in the run and even venture into the uncovered parts of it.

 

[wsdareme]

Quote:
Hi, I live just south of sheilawagner in Yelm, WA. It is now the weekend, and, as expected, it is raining. I couldn't wait to go outside and see what The Girls thought about the rain.

They were raised in the garage and the barn, and since moving to the coop have not experienced rain. Until today. And it is really coming down! Well, The Girls want nothing to do with it! I sure am glad we got the roof done over part of the run -- they can be outside without getting wet. Deli, the Delaware, came running over to the fence when I came out, gave me a loud "bawk, bawk, bawk" and ran into her house. She turned around, ran back out, gave me the same, "bawk, bawk, bawk" and went back inside. I think she was giving me a piece of her mind about the weather.

 

[Buttercup Chillin]

NO, mine won't go anywhere near their coop when it rains. Afraid I'll shut the door and make them stay in, I quess.

No, they head for the Duck house in a heavy rain, in the Duck house or under the eves. As soon as the rain slows down, out they go looking for bugs and worms, etc. After a rain is the best bugging time for them and they sure don't want to miss out on that.

It rained for 2 weeks straight here and they were all fat and sassy. Course now they have the misserable heat to put up with and they are leaner, but getting even sassier now.

Wish it would rain.

 

[KBChicks]

Our chickens will stay outside in a light shower...but will run for cover in a downpour...I think it's instinctive...