Chickens okay in cold, rainy weather?

[4 Georgia Hens]

Here in GA in is 60 degrees and raining, which adds another chill to the air. It's going to rain all day today and since my chickens free-range, they will be thoroughly soaked to the bone by the end of the day. Should I be worried about them getting to cold? I'd be heart-broken if they got a cold or worse. Will they be okay? If not, what should I do? Thanks in advance!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Do they have access to shelter....coop, natural cover, etc while in their ranging area? They will seek shelter as they feel it is warranted with regards to the rain. Provided they can shelter as needed they will be at no risk from those conditions

 

[theuglychick]

Do they have anywhere to get out of the rain, such as a cover or coop?

Generally chickens can tolerate cold fairly well and rain, but being soaked down to the skin and chilled is not good. They need to have shelter of some sort to be able to keep dry.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Yes, they do have the option of shelter. Thank you!

 

[theuglychick]

Yes, they do have the option of shelter. Thank you!

As long as they can get out of the rain they should be fine. Mine rarely opt to get out of the rain and will peck and scratch most all the day in it hunting the bugs the rain washes up. They get out of it before they get too wet to dry off.

 

[Patinas]

I've noticed my hens avoid rain. They don't seem to mind light sprinkles but when it's actually raining, they head for cover which could be under bushes, back to the covered run or under the patio cover.

On a really soggy day, I won't even let them out of the run if it's continuous rain because they tend to want to just hang out on the patio which is the one place I don't want them hanging out.

I think hens can handle chilly weather just fine if they keep dry.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Ok. That sound good. Thank you all!

 

[Little Chicken Girl]

Here in GA in is 60 degrees and raining, which adds another chill to the air. It's going to rain all day today and since my chickens free-range, they will be thoroughly soaked to the bone by the end of the day. Should I be worried about them getting to cold? I'd be heart-broken if they got a cold or worse. Will they be okay? If not, what should I do? Thanks in advance!

Chickens' bodies naturally secrete water resistant oils that the they rub around their feathers... so, chickens will not melt if they get a little wet. As for 60F temperatures, that is pretty fine for adult chickens. My chickens are quite happy to go outside and forage in 50F, even when it is sprinkling. It gets cold where I live and my chickens don't start getting uncomfortable until it dips below freezing.

Chickens are very smart and usually know what they can handle... They will get out of the rain if they don't want to be in it... So, I would say to make sure that they have an easily accessible shelter available so they can choose to get out of the rain when they feel the need but other than that, they should be totally fine.

Note: Silkie chickens (breed) do not handle getting rained on very well because they are all downy feathers.

 

[4 Georgia Hens]

Chickens' bodies naturally secrete water resistant oils that the they rub around their feathers... so, chickens will not melt if they get a little wet. As for 60F temperatures, that is pretty fine for adult chickens. My chickens are quite happy to go outside and forage in 50F, even when it is sprinkling. It gets cold where I live and my chickens don't start getting uncomfortable until it dips below freezing.

Chickens are very smart and usually know what they can handle... They will get out of the rain if they don't want to be in it... So, I would say to make sure that they have an easily accessible shelter available so they can choose to get out of the rain when they feel the need but other than that, they should be totally fine.

Note: Silkie chickens (breed) do not handle getting rained on very well because they are all downy feathers.

I have 2 silkies. Will they be okay?

 

[theuglychick]

I have 2 silkies. Will they be okay?

I don't think silkies feathers can repel water like a regular-feathered chicken, so I'd be hesitant to let them be out in a lot of rain.

Maybe a silkie owner can weigh in.