Chickens and rain

[walker1229]

We just got a bunch of adult chickens from someone near us, our ducks always love the rain and stay out in it, but its about to rain and the chickens have been in the run all day and haven't been in the coop yet. I tried luring them with food with no luck, will they be ok in the rain? Will they make their own way into the coop or should I put them in it?

 

[jimbob86]

They'll go in if they don't like being rained on
.

 

[walker1229]

ok thanks its pouring! bad and they are still outside Im just worried they don't know how to get in

 

[jimbob86]

They got out, didn't they?

 

[walker1229]

No we just got them today, and when they arrived they just played in the run, they haven't been in the coop yet, I caught one and set her in with the food, she took a bite then came back out, so I wont worry about it to much

 

[RonP]

You might want to lock them in the coop for a period of time, often a week or more, so they will know where home is.

 

[jimbob86]

No we just got them today, and when they arrived they just played in the run, they haven't been in the coop yet, I caught one and set her in with the food, she took a bite then came back out, so I wont worry about it to much

That's different, then. They may not even recognize it as a "coop".......

 

[walker1229]

Well since I put the one in and then the others looked in and didn't go in and went back out I figured they are probably fine, the rain has stopped so I will put them in for the night soon, they should dry off and be warm since our chicks brooder is in there (separated off) and the lamp will provide a little heat for them to help dry off

 

[donrae]

I'd let them be. If they're in a coop and run combo, no need to lock them in just the coop for any time. Most animals are pretty good about finding shelter when they want. I'm in the PNW and my birds are often out in the rain. Brings out the bugs, ya know