Do pullets have sense to come in out of rain?

[Maureen in Chesterton]

Our 15 chicks / pullets are just about 7 weeks old - our very 1st chicks. We moved them into the coop at 5 weeks, and let them into their protected run a few days later. On cold nights - less than 50 F - we've had heat on; and on very cold days (like yesterday, high of 43F and lots of cold wind), we have kept them in the coop. So far, it's rained either overnight, or on cold days, when the chicks were in the coop anyway.
In the evening we've been herding the chicks up the ramp into the coop using cardboard sheeting. Each day more will walk up on their own - so they're learning Evening = Go Into Coop.
This coming week we should have 'decent' daytime temps, but also rain. The coop is raised up, so they can shelter beneath it from rain or sun. My question is whether they'll understand that if it rains, they can move either beneath or into the coop to get out of it. There's one that's still not quite fully feathered out - so I'm concerned about them getting a chill.

 

[HappyClucker7]

They should know what to do. When I put my chickens out, they immediately learned to go inside the coop at night. They also went inside to coop when it got cold, so I don't think you have to lock them in there. Chickens know when they're uncomfortable, and they will go inside if they feel the need to. It's actually incredible how much chickens know without ever having a mother to teach them. For example, my hens know if there is a predator flying above them, and they can tell the difference between a vulture and a hawk, eagle, or falcon. I wouldn't worry about your chickens too much. Instinct will kick in and they'll be just fine.

 

[Mrs. K]

Yes, they will be fine. And they don't need added heat this time of year either. They will often times look drenched, but will still be warm enough down under. The fresh air is healthier option than being confined out of the rain.

Mrs K

 

[Ridgerunner]

I leave my pop door open and let them decide what they want to do. That's pretty much from 5 weeks old on. I understand your concern with cool plus wet but I've never worried about it. They know how comfortable they are more than I do.

These were adults, not 7 weeks old, but it was +4 Fahrenheit when I took this. I left the pop door open and let them decide. But it was calm. If a cold wind were blowing they would not be out in it.

Mine like to be out in a warm rain. I think they are looking for worms.

 

[Maureen in Chesterton]

Thank you everyone for the reassurance. I remembered a story from the farmer that supplies our holiday turkey - he had lost a lot of turkey chicks that year because they drowned themselves in the rain: It rained, they looked up, they drowned! (as in, the rain filled their nostrils!). That had me wondering about the chicks.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They should have sense to not sit in the rain, but doesn't hurt to check in on them the first few times, if you can.

You really need to let go of the heat at this point they'll feather out better if you stop coddling them.

 

[Maureen in Chesterton]

Yes, we've agreed no more heater for them...even if we get 'graubel' today. Never thought I'd be a chicken coddler ...but the first time through, it's a little hard to judge 'enough'. Thank you for your advice.

 

[Maureen in Chesterton]

So this morning was their 1st experience with rain. They panicked, straining in the corner of the chicken yard against the fencing. My husband went out and herded them under the coop. Some of them got little cuts above their beaks from the chicken wire that's along one wall. But they survived. 2nd wave of rain now - and they ran beneath the coop on their own this time. I guess instinct needs a little assistance.

 

[rosemarythyme]

2nd wave of rain now - and they ran beneath the coop on their own this time. I guess instinct needs a little assistance.

Some times it needs a kick start!

And don't worry about the coddling, I think most of us do it the first time. Chicks just look so darn tiny and fragile it's hard to imagine that it'd be ok throwing 2 day olds outside with nothing more than a heating pad and a roof over their heads, but that's my approach now, and honestly I think they're happier for it. Versus how I raised my first batch, inside a boring bathroom, with a big red light cooking them, not a blade of grass or a bug to be seen for the first 5 weeks.