Been enjoying our chickens for almost a year now. Our Orpingtons are going to be a year in the next couple months. I was reading a blog and wonder if what I read is correct? Should Orpingtons be kept out of the rain due to their feather type? How high off the ground should their roosts be? They are getting big and heavier. Thanks for your help.
yes what you read is correct. Buff orpingtons should not be let out in the rain because they are so fluffy that they will be soaked and can become hypothermed. Roosts? you should have about three roosts each one about a foot and a a half above the other, the first one should be about a foot and a half off the ground. then they can hop from the lowest one to the top and roost on the top one.
My brother has orpingtons and lives in seattle and they are out in the rain all the time. They are almost 2 years old and he has no trouble. It looks like your in Washington as well. I would think it would depend on average outdoor temps as well
We have a hoop coop so when I built the roost the lower roost is closest to the wall, then the higher roost is out farther then the first, due to the slope of the coop. But only 2 roosts. The coop kind of sits on a slope so the roosts are level but not the same heights off the ground end to end. Our neighbors complained about our roosters so we had to move our chickens from where we originally had them and we didnt have any other options as to where we put a new coop structure. I watch them and when they come off the roost, sometimes they go straight down and some go back onto the lower roost then down. Scared they will hurt themselves. Maybe I can move the higher one below the lower one, will need to check measurements, although at that point their highest roost would be around 2 feet, will that be high enough?
I raise and breed Orpingtons. They are out in the rain when they want. Usually when its 45+ degrees they are outside unless its POURING. If its colder than that they are inside their coop. My roosts are between 2-3 feet off the ground. I have a few Heritage B.B.S Orps and they are much bigger than my Hatchery Buffs. Nate
We are South of Seattle, I think, but our temps are about the same I would guess. I have been free ranging a small flock of mixed birds and they seem to be doing okay. Most of the area is under the trees, I will pay more attention to the weatherman, but I hate to keep them locked up when I leave for work, knowing that any time the weather may change and be sunny or mostly overcast. Its like that alot here. I tried to tell where the blogger lived but I couldnt tell.
My Buff Orpingtons like to play out in the rain. Never had a problem. Their roosts are 4 ft off the floor.
I figure any breed that originated in England can handle a little rain Actually, any bird can handle rain. Like most animals, the fur or feathers protcts them and rarely is their actual skin wet. As long as they have protection from the wind, they're fine.
My buffs are the first ones out in the rain. I just make sure they can get back in the coop if they want and let them decide.They've been out in the rain since they were about a month old and it hasn't hurt them( they are almost two years old now).
