During this heatwave, my chickens have been spending the night on top of their coop, instead of inside it (still in their covered run). I've been letting them do it, because it's so much hotter inside the coop. Tonight there is supposed to be rain early in the morning. Should I make them get in their coop even though it's hot? Will they go in the coop by themselves when it starts raining, or will they stay there and get wet because it's dark out?
If it isnt supposed to be tremendously cool, which, I doubt that is the case....they should be just fine.
My juvies love standing in the sprinkler water... Unless there are high winds, your chickens should be fine.
Some of my birds, per their choice, roost exposed to rain and snow year round in central Missouri. As adults and 3/4 grown juveniles no problems and their feathers look better than those of birds that are confined. Heat is much bigger stressor.
