Free ranging in the rain?

[Tachic]

Still learning every day. Is it okay for the girls to free-range in the rain? They have full access to lots of dry shelter,but choose to be out

 

[Perris]

if they have options and are choosing it, it's fine. Most of my chickens avoid getting wet, but some are not bothered and prefer to be out in it, feasting on the bugs that come to the surface in wet weather

 

[MysteryChicken]

Rain is fine.

 

[Tachic]

if they have options and are choosing it, it's fine. Most of my chickens avoid getting wet, but some are not bothered and prefer to be out in it, feasting on the bugs that come to the surface in wet weather

Thank you,was worried about them getting sick

 

[Ridgerunner]

I also give mine the option. In a heavy driving rain they tend to seek shelter but they are often out in a more gentle rain, even a soaking rain. As Perris said, rain can expose worms and bugs for them to eat.

 

[McChooky]

I give mine the option to go outside unless its windy out. A strong gust of wind can pick a chicken up and throw it causing injuries. Its also harder for chickens to detect predators watching them when the winds making a racket and the leaves are doing a rain dance

 

[SamLockwood]

Mine will go out in light to medium rain. And after a downpour they'll go out hunting after bigs and worms that come up out of the saturated earth.

If you ever see them preening they have an oil gland at the base of their tail they'll dip their beaks in and then oil their feathers. Moderate amounts of water will just roll off them.