Rain and chicks-can they get wet or will they get sick

[PetChickenBoo]

This seems like a silly question and my husband thinks I'm nuts because chickens are supposed to live outside but I'm worried about my chicks getting rained on and then getting sick. They just got moved outside on Wednesday to the coop/run. They are now 5 and 1/2 weeks old. It's been raining since yesterday so I've kept them inside the coop except for about two hours yesterday evening when the rain stopped. At this age will they get sick if they get wet? Mine can go under the coop for shelter if needed--it's about 2 ft off the ground. Am I worrying for nothing?

Thanks!

 

[sharol]

I hope someone has an idea about this because I'm wondering the same thing. It has been sweltering here this week, and my almost 5 wk olds are out in their coop/run. I put them in the coop at night, but we will be gone tomorrow, and rain is predicted. They will cook in the coop, but....

 

[Terri O]

If they are mostly feathered out and they can take shelter if needed they will be fine. My 2 week old were just soaked today but they have their mama to go underneath to get dry. At that age they should be smart enough to "come in out of the rain!" Terri O

 

[sharol]

That is exactly what my DH said. "If they don't have the sense to go in out of the rain...."

Quote:

 

[welasharon]

Well...unless they are polish hens...then maybe no so smart. I have three that just stand there wondering what was happening. I covered the run with a tarp. Fixed that problem..

 

[wiss0023]

I had a similar concern this morning. I have some six week old cochins outside . . . it was pouring rain this morning, and they had moved out of the coop into the run area under the coop (still out of the direct rain, but it seemed like the rain was so heavy it would come in sideways.) My son and I went running out in rain gear gathered them all up and put them in the coop above . . . after getting inside I looked out my kitchen window only to see them out again under the coop! They are just fine tonight. It seems they knew where they wanted to be!

 

[robinSnest63]

I have 8....9 week olds....different breeds....they have a coop with a run and i keep the back pluss both sides tarped on the west under the coop as thats the way the wind seems to always come from its working great....although ...i had taken the tarp down today so they could enjoy it without the rain for awhile and forgot to tarp it back up...i went to work and it down poured and lightning like crazy! I got my crap done and was outa there...i am a new chicken owner and was freaking out about my chicks...i got home they are all on the pirtch sitting soak and wet! Not one went into the coop and they have been in it and checked it out before...anyways i pet them and tarped it off and i pray them babies will be ok.

 

[azygous]

While it is true that adult chickens have good insulation and water repellent features to their feathers and a light rain will likely bead off their backs, it's wise to take steps to insure chicks and small chickens, do not get wet during storms.

Here's why. Storms are often accompanied by wind. Wind causes a condition called wind chill which causes the temperature to be colder than it reads. Wetness causes the body to lose body heat further, even if the bird has feathers. On top of all that, a small body loses heat faster than larger ones, and the wind can suck heat away pretty quickly.

Therefore, take measures to protect your chicks from getting wet during storms if you care if they may suffer hypothermia and go into shock and die.

 

[Stephanie Crimble]

Hi,Just joined BYC can't wait to learn about the care of chickens.

 

[jeria]

Thanks for starting this.