raining

[pjschubert]

My chickens are molting and it is raining hard. Should I leave them in 10x10 (6 chickens) or let them out? Also it is going to be in the 30's this week. I enclosed the pen with thick clear plastic and left ventilation gaps for them, They are on feather fixer along with their food

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I'm not quite sure of your question - the 10X10 - is that the coop (housing)?

The run/pen - you will want to make sure it has quite a bit of ventilation - photos are always welcome

As for whether to let them out/open the coop - that is up to you - personally I always open the coop first thing - the chickens can decide for themselves whether or not they want to venture out. Most of mine run is covered, but some days they still hang out inside.

Temperatures in the 30s - they should be fine as long as they have a coop that is free of drafts/blocks wind and has plenty of ventilation.

 

[pjschubert]

The 10x10 is chain link fencing with fenced top with a tarp over it. That is where they roost, eat and lay eggs. Some don't have many feathers right now and I was wondering if they got soaked in the heavy rain, which they usually get out and get soaked, will they get sick? And yes their pen has ventilation. They have a large run area with netting over it and bushes to get under. They were fine last year but didn't molt as bad. Some are really bare of feathers and not laying.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

As long as they have dry shelter with a good wind block they should be fine - I have one that is in a light molt - she is cruising around sopping wet as I type (we are having heavy rain too) - the other that is in heavy molt (pretty naked) is staying in the dry.

Chickens will regulate themselves - have the food/water in the dry so your girls that are molting heavily don't have to get wet unless they want to.

 

[pjschubert]

As long as they have dry shelter with a good wind block they should be fine - I have one that is in a light molt - she is cruising around sopping wet as I type (we are having heavy rain too) - the other that is in heavy molt (pretty naked) is staying in the dry.

Chickens will regulate themselves - have the food/water in the dry so your girls that are molting heavily don't have to get wet unless they want to.

They have been up all morning as it poured., Sun is now out so letting them out, Thanks for info.