hens protect chicks from very heavy rains

[centrarchid]

This morning we had some heavy storms come through producing lots of rain. Two hens in backyard hunkered down over chicks keeping them dry. Notice both hens oriented in same direction, into the wind. They always seem to orient into wind.

Long duration rain events lasting several days very hard on small chicks as hens must balance needs of foraging and staying dry. Use of feeds greatly increases tolerance to inclement weather since birds do not have to devote as much time to foraging.

 

[joe17]

Thats pretty cool! Do they have a little coop or cage to go into?

 

[BooBear]

They are good mommas and deserve extra treats

I love watching momma hens with their babies it is just too precious.

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
No coops or cages. Front porch where they incubated eggs is where they retreat to at night. They seem to make no effort to seek out cover when weather bad. That will begin once hens can no longer cover entire brood with wings.