Rain?

[lendavis]

It's raining and in the low fifties here in the Bronx in New York City. I have 10 almost-nine week old chickens. I'm debating if I should let them out in the rain and cold? Should I let them have access to the outside or just keep them in the henhouse today?

 

[Illia]

It rains almost everyday here, in the mid 40's, and even my 6 week old chicks are just fine in it. If they really don't like it, they just run inside. Otherwise, it's a normal occurance out here and low 50's when it's raining - Man I want weather like that.

I would say you're fine, just as long as they have shelter to run back into if they want.

 

[Imp]

What Illia said, but first knit 10 little raincoats for them.

They may be afraid of the rain the first time they see it.

Have fun

Imp

 

[crittersitter]

I'm about an hour north of you and my 12 week old girls came out this morning and said NO THANKS! They didn't even go down the ramp! They even have a covered run but they are all inside snuggling waiting for the nice warm dish of oatmeal i'm about to bring them.
Hopefully we'll have some better weather tomorrow!

 

[Kanthaka]

Awesome that you are in the Bronx!

 

[lendavis]

I'm one of three households with chickens in my neighborhood.

 

[blackbeauty]

Raining out here off and on. I would just leave them be, and if theyr'e smart enough then they'll just hop back in inside. Unlike some of my girls, some just aren't too smart. Those unfortanate ones are soaked when its bedtime. (the unsmart ones are mostly my afro gals

). Good luck with your chicks!!!

 

[Akane]

If they've been going in and out of the coop for a few days they should be fine. If they just got out of the brooder I would keep them locked up. Chickens can take awhile to learn and chicks can take awhile to adjust to the outdoors. After that they are fine to make decisions for themselves about whether they should go out or not.