Emergency weather conditions. Need immediate advice.

[jnicholes]

What should I do to help my chickens? I need immediate advice.

 

[alinas2010]

Do you have a basement? If their coop/run isn’t suited for that type of wind I might consider bringing them inside with me. A lot of the answer to this question might depend on your set up. What’s the highest winds you’ve (they’ve) endured?

We’ve have horrible wind from 60-105mph (records set) here the past week but not storms along with it and we didn’t need to modify anything. Trees were uprooted in some areas, but no buildings that I know of were damaged. Wind that strong is somewhat normal here, though. If your infrastructure isn’t made for winds that high, you might shelter like you would for a tornado.

Ours have always done just fine in their 8x8 shed converted to a coop in the high winds. It does get a bit drafty, but I hang drapes over the door and windows on the inside during the winter when the winds pick up.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I agree with alinas, Jared. Wind AND thunderstorms, wow! Even if nothing else than just your own peace of mind, you should probably bring them in. I think you've had them in the basement before, haven't you? I'm afraid if you leave them outside you might put yourself at risk running out into the storm to check on them. Bringing them in will do no harm and could do a lot of good. Be safe, Jared, and good luck! Please come back after the storm and let us know how you and your chickens weathered the storm.

 

[jnicholes]

just checked on them, and they seem to be doing OK. They’re hunkered down in the coop.

On a sidenote, the wind actually blew down part of the run fence. It was just the gate, so I could get in there and feed them and stuff. I just fixed it.

thank you both for the advice. I will definitely consider it.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

As long as their structure can survive the conditions and a tree or power line can't fall on them, they should be fine.

 

[HorseGirlAbby]

As long as their coop is sturdy they should be alright. We’ve had winds up to 90 mph before, and just last week had a super bad windstorm with 80 mph regular gusts. I would definitely close them in the coop, if possible. You don’t want the fence to fall down and the chickens to blow off somewhere…also any tarps will be destroyed, so it’s best to bring those in before the wind picks up too much.

 

[CCsGarden]

If it's windy all night, bring them inside. I'm so sorry you are getting bad weather!

 

[jnicholes]

don’t want the fence to fall down

Too late.

This was nowhere near the coop, but that just shows how strong the wind is. Currently putting up a temporary so the neighbors goats don’t get into the yard. He’s helping me.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Be careful, Jared!

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I saw on the news that some areas were getting gusts up to 138 mph but I didn't see where. Oh my!