Dealing With Flooding and Chicken Health

[sbhkma]

I'm in Texas and we're dealing with the flooding from Harvey. It's been raining since Friday night. 18 inches so far and about 10-14 inches more predicted. Winds have been 40-50mph and gusts over 60. My coop is two story. The top is two roost poles and the nest boxes, plus walking around area on a hardware cloth floor and a ramp leading down to the bottom part and the run. My birds have not gone down the ramp since Friday night. The floor of the coop/run is dirt and it's on a grade so it's not puddled, but it is a muddy wet mess. I put some food and water up top for my girls. Is this going to be a problem with them not moving around much? Wind is lessening finally and I'm thinking I may make them get down just for some exercise, but not sure if I am overthinking it. We're expecting rain until late Thursday or Friday. Input appreciated.

 

[smudge]

I hope not.

Look at it this way: those of us far enough north to get snow sometimes have to keep the kids cooped up for a while.

Boredom is a bigger problem than lack of exercise. Hang something up to keep them busy.

 

[JudysMuscovy]

I hope not.

Look at it this way: those of us far enough north to get snow sometimes have to keep the kids cooped up for a while.

Boredom is a bigger problem than lack of exercise. Hang something up to keep them busy.

I would have to agree with the boredom, mine are cooped up also and just complaining when I go check on them, but I would much rather have them up and safe then dealing with all this rain outdoors! The outside run is completely drenched! I am so glad I put them in on Thursday already cause I didn't want to deal with chasing them in the rain!

 

[sbhkma]

Almost 20" of rain and it finally stopped! My hens came down from the top floor of the coop and are yelling at me to let them out. Not gonna happen yet. 1) still super windy 2) after a flood it's not uncommon to have stray dogs or stray predators wander by. My tack barn is flooded, but other than that we're doing ok. I'm expecting more copperheads and rattlesnakes than typical but I'm prepared. I have a .22 magnum pistol that fits in my pocket and it's loaded with rat shot.

 

[JudysMuscovy]

Almost 20" of rain and it finally stopped! My hens came down from the top floor of the coop and are yelling at me to let them out. Not gonna happen yet. 1) still super windy 2) after a flood it's not uncommon to have stray dogs or stray predators wander by. My tack barn is flooded, but other than that we're doing ok. I'm expecting more copperheads and rattlesnakes than typical but I'm prepared. I have a .22 magnum pistol that fits in my pocket and it's loaded with rat shot.

We are at 35 inches of rain! It's crazy, we are high and dry though so I am grateful for that.
My chickens are yelling at me also they want out. We are expecting heavy Rain this evening so I am not letting them out yet. Mine have been in the coop since Thursday evening. I qhve brought them a couple treats hoping they would be preoccupied with the treat!
Stay safe

 

[sbhkma]

omg that truly sucks!