Chickens and the eclipse

[Sprayone]

I don't have my chickens yet. But, this is a great idea. I can leave work without problem, run home and video the event. Wow! That would be neat to see their reactions.

 

[centrarchid]

My guess is they are going to look up to see what is going on. As you say they are fairly used to the sun being there at around 2:30 ish and like yourself I'm in the direct path for totality for over two minutes which means the only light will be a slight bit of corona. ..it's going to be dark! I don't think anyone is going to roost im thinking there will be a bunch of chickens looking skyward. That's my guess, it will definitely be interesting to see what actually does occur with them.

I do not think they will be looking up at all. Let us make certain to report observations. I have free-range and penned birds. Additional birds will be released about one week ahead in area around house allowing for more observations here.

 

[imnukensc]

Chicken reactions to a total solar eclipse have already been documented. They will go to roost

 

[lcwmt]

Even in the path of totality, chickens and other critters will react as they do at dusk and dawn. As the dimming of the light begins, they will go to roost. As the sun comes back, they will get up and go about their day. It's slightly over a two hour event and should not disrupt egg laying etc.
As for "looking up", they do not do that at sundown... this will be no different.
We however, need eclipse glasses!

 

[centrarchid]

Chicken reactions to a total solar eclipse have already been documented. They will go to roost

Go home! How far could they get from roost before occultation started? Do you have the citation? I want to see what they did so system can be pushed.

 

[Chickassan]

I do not think they will be looking up at all. Let us make certain to report observations. I have free-range and penned birds. Additional birds will be released about one week ahead in area around house allowing for more observations here.

Agree, im also going to be observing any differences between age groups and sexes.There might even be variables due to facial feathering.That's the awesome thing we just don't know! I'm jazzed to find out though.

 

[imnukensc]

Here's a pretty good you tube video. Not suggesting folks don't observe or document their flock's reaction; just saying it won't be much different than their normal roosting routine.

 

[centrarchid]

Here's a pretty good you tube video. Not suggesting folks don't observe or document their flock's reaction; just saying it won't be much different than their normal roosting routine.

A bunch did not make roost. Building may have gotten dark too fast. All started from very close to chicken house. I can get my birds to be much further from the chicken house or roost. I can also have so some roost in trees.

 

[peeper89]

i like vid that henhouse is cool
i goin have to fin out bout eclip this goin to be fun

 

[Chickassan]

My birds won't roost if im outside they think I've got food which im going to be outside and yes I'm going to have food. My presence disrupts their routine, so the experience here may differ quite a bit. They are hardwired to roost but it can be overridden.