Do you let your chickens out in the cold rain?

[Sueby]

Just curious as it's getting colder out.

I have a covered run that they don't seem smart enough to stay in on their own in the rain. I know in summer they have no issue getting soaking wet, but I'm thinking I need to keep them in the run during a cold, soaking rain. They get so annoyed when I don't let them out though.

 

[NHMountainMan]

I open the run door and let them decide. It’s a rainy , raw, cold in your bones kind of day today. And my entire flock is out wandering through the downpour.

 

[FortCluck]

Mine play in the rain and get soaked, I just let them because it's their thing. They can go in their coop at anytime but they don't. I'm thinking about making a shelter for them that is open on all sides but has a roof, I'm not even sure they'll use it.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

Mine don't mind the rain as long as it isn't pouring.

 

[ValerieJ]

My chickens live in Washington. It rains here. Might be easier to count the days it doesn't rain. . I built an out door shelter for them so they could be outside and stay dry. They like to use it for dust baths, and will sometimes duck under in a downpour, but mostly just wander around in the rain. It doesn't seem to bother them.

 

[FortCluck]

I open the run door and let them decide. It’s a rainy , raw, cold in your bones kind of day today. And my entire flock is out wandering through the downpour.

It's down pouring over here and all my chickens look like drown rats, but they don't care My ducks are loving it because the whole yard is like a pond

 

[aart]

I used to worry about 'soaked' birds...until I stuck my hand under their wet outer feathers and found them to be dry and warm near the skin.

 

[BantyChooks]

I keep the door open almost every day; they get to decide if they would like to come out or not.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Has been raining here for going on two full days. I have half covered run along with plastic on the walls. I wait till later now before opening the doors, but usually all go out for most the day. They have the option to go in anytime they want.

 

[TwentyOneChickens]

Just curious as it's getting colder out.

I have a covered run that they don't seem smart enough to stay in on their own in the rain. I know in summer they have no issue getting soaking wet, but I'm thinking I need to keep them in the run during a cold, soaking rain. They get so annoyed when I don't let them out though.

I don't let them free-range in the rain (it's raining rn and I kept them inside.) but they have the option to go outside in their fenced area (accessible from the run.) every day.

Mine love playing in the rain, and the only reason I don't let them free-range in the rain is because I don't want to herd them back inside while there's nasty weather.