Hurricane?

[Martytherooster]

Hurricane Bill, might hit Maine head-on! What do I need to do to protect our chickens from the hurricane? Should I put boards on the windows?

 

[HorseFeathers]

Yeah, my dad works at a marina and he's all worried... especially for our sailboat, which is out on charter right now...

If you're right next to the water, I suppose you'd want to board up the coop if it makes you feel better... but if you're inland, I wouldn't get too worried yet. Just see what happens.

 

[DarkWolf]

I thought hurricanes only had female names? Someone finally decide that it was sexist?

Anyway, boarding up the windows would be fine to help keep the bulk of the water out. You're likely to have to replace all the shavings as water will still get it. They'll be fine with that however, so no biggy.

I do wonder about your structure though. Since I can't see your coop I can't offer any further advice. Just that if it's a taller structure with no ties to the ground (no permanent footings) you may want to strap it down.

Lets see what you're dealing with, just to make sure there's nothing further you need do.

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:
1979
David
Frederi
1980
Allen
1988
Gilbert
Joan
1989
Hugo
1991
Bob
1992
Andrew
1995
Luis
1996
Cesar
Hortense
1998
Georges
Mitch
1999
Floyd
Lenny
2000
Keith
2002
Isidore
2003
Fabian
Juan
2004
Charley
Frances
Ivan
2005
Dennis
Stan
2007
Dean
Felix
Noel
2008
Gustav
Ike
2009
bill
those are jsut a few i want alive during most of these lol also these are the only retired ones that names will never be used again

 

[DarkWolf]

Oh yeah... I was alive for all of those... Hurm.. And then some..

Ah well.. Guess that shows how much I pay attention..

 

[chickenbottom]

Quote:
lol

 

[DiVon80]

Are you near water? The biggest worry is tidal surge! Pack up all the animals and leave...During Katrina we were no where near the coast( N of I-12 w of I-59) still pretty close but, the interstate would act as drainage. Trees crushed our home. St Tammany parish is known for the trees we lost millions. Depending on the strength of this storm. We rode out Katrina.(the govt down plays Katrina but, the Slidell Mayor rode it out in the weather station clocked winds at 178 sustained and gust to 210) I had stocked up on feed(at least 2 weeks worth) My biggest problem was my ducks. They would trash all water buckets. Fill your gas tanks, store up gallons of bottled water at least 2 per person per day(2weeks), Canned foods, stuff to grill w. Stop buying meat,use whats in your freezer. Get all your cloths clean, get cash out the bank, Pray,Pray Pray! Last year for Gustav I scrubbed the ducks kiddy pool and covered it really well, water to flush with and possible bathing,add a lil bleach to it. Camping supplies-flash lites,batteries,candles, stuff for mosquiteos. Pray more. The male names started lately. At first it was just female because they are unpredictable. Excuse my spelling... This month makes me really nervouse....Have any more questions I be glad to help.. After Katrina for 2 weeks there was no gas, no groceries to buy, nothing The govt will set up emergency stations and hand out Ice,water, food(Meals ready to eat-MRE) These were exciting the smell of the heater bags now a days makes me sick.. My parents and 2 sets of Aunts and Uncles had a 26' tidel surge wipe out there homes. This was after the eye had passed.

 

[Joz]

Tropical Storm/Hurricane Naming Policy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_names#North_Atlantic

I wrote it out, then looked it up, and Wikipedia is much more succinct and clear than I was.

 

[patandchickens]

I second the post that said the most important thing is to TIE THINGS DOWN. If there is any question about whether your coop may blow over/apart/away, you might even consider taking the chickens into a safer structure (e.g. your garage or house) if you have enough cages or dog carriers or what-have-you.

If the structure is very well anchored to the ground, it is not too late to go out and apply some extra wood or metal strapping/fasteners or screws to help keep it together. Places to watch are where the wind can catch the edge of the roofing (like at the edge/overhang), where the rafters or trusses attach to the tops of the walls, and any slightly loose bits of siding or roofing you may have. Now would be a good time to put in some extra screws

Also make sure you have removed from your yard all objects lighter than, say, a car... a lot of damage during high winds comes from things being blown into other things. If some things can't be taken indoors, you may be able to at least take steps to encourage them to stay put e.g. chain picnic table to tree type of thing.

And fill a buncha jugs with clean drinking water right before the storm hits, not just for you but for the animals.

Good luck, take care,

Pat, who used to live in various Atlantic seaboard states

 

[StupidBird]

My Hurricane plan:
Staying put: drag the chicken tractor into the garage (sorry, DH, move out your special car!). All their supplies are there anyway. Then I reinforce the garage door as described on the FEMA and other websites.
Boogie Out (evac): Big dog kennel gets the plywood insert that makes it two level, toss in the birds and their gear. Add that and the cat to the back of the truck and head for the hills. Our family has a designated evac site picked out. Not that when something got all the way to Atlanta hasn't made it up to the mountains too.

Our troop motto: Be Prepared, or be prepared to do without.