Managing chickens in bad weather

[PotassiumJunkie]

It is extremely wet, windy and cold in Ireland today.

Normally, I leave the coop/run door open so that the chickens can get back in if they want (usually they don’t want to until dusk). I went out today and one was soaked so that her feathers had parted and the other was wet too. Both having a great time regardless of course. Anyway, I decided to put them back in the run/coop (the run is covered so they can still dander around). I was worried about it reaching freezing temps tonight and then not being dry...

What does everyone else do? Should I not worry as long as they’re not worried?

 

[Mrs. K]

If they are active, pecking and eating, they are fine. They produce enormous heat, so once they roost up, they will dry out very quickly.

When you need to worry, is if they are huddled, and hunched. If they are lethargic and not interested in any food you are bringing them. If their eyes look sunken. Then they do need to be put into shelter so that they can dry out, or maybe even dried out with a hair dryer.

In 12 years of keeping chickens, I have never done that to a full grown bird. You are worrying for nothing.

Mrs K

 

[Cragg Klefor]

It is extremely wet, windy and cold in Ireland today.

Normally, I leave the coop/run door open so that the chickens can get back in if they want (usually they don’t want to until dusk). I went out today and one was soaked so that her feathers had parted and the other was wet too. Both having a great time regardless of course. Anyway, I decided to put them back in the run/coop (the run is covered so they can still dander around). I was worried about it reaching freezing temps tonight and then not being dry...

What does everyone else do? Should I not worry as long as they’re not worried?

I'm with you Potassiumjunkie, in Co. Kilkenny here. What a day!! The poor chooks.
But, yes I've seen them get soaked a few times (live in an elevated, windy location), and they are perfectly fine next morning.
Once they are draft free in their coop they can handle it!