Didn't know enough to come in out of the rain

[SassyKat6181]

Today was the first day I let them out to free range early in the day, about noon. I've been letting them out almost daily between 3 & 5. Checked the weather, said possible passing shower. My luck....about an hour after I let them out it started to sprinkle and continued until I finally coerced them back into the coop at 6.

They were soaking wet, standing right outside the barn. They know the routine by now and nothing was different except for the rain. I felt really bad that they were so wet. Should I not let them out when it might rain?

 

[PeepsCA]

IMO, they are tough enough to endure some rain. They are fully feathered and can regulate their body temps now, so they can survive being soaking wet (it rains in Africa occasionally too remember, lol). It's up to you tho, if they are difficult to get back in because of the rain, it might just be easier on your part to just keep them in on those days

Forgot to add that the rain actually HELPS me round my birds up and get them in, lol (I'm raising a flock of hot house flowers I guess!

).

 

[SassyKat6181]

I didn't try earlier in the day because they were exploring the fields and weren't bothered by the rain. I ran to the store for dinner and when I got back they were all huddled down near the barn. All it took was the "dinner" yell and they ran in. The coop was open and their food was down......maybe I got them too used to the routing.

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Routine is a good thing.

 

[southern oaks]

Mine go out in the morning and in at night. They could actually care less if it is raining. the coop is open all day so if they wanted in they could go. Guess mine don't have sense to get out of the rain either.