Snow/cold/rain with my chickens?

[bartonlynch]

When the weather is bad, should I keep my chickens cooped up (haha) or should I let them make the choice to go outside or not, and leave their door open?

 

[LynneP]

Like everything chicken, it depends! Where are you and can you show us your setup???

 

[annaraven]

I have the same question. I have a run for them, with a cover over part of it. But, should I let them out to freerange when it's raining outside? I thought it's bad if they get wet... ?

 

[Katy]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=421136

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=421291

These two threads can give you some good answers to your questions. Mine have access to the outside everyday of the year no matter the weather.

 

[patandchickens]

I can't see any reason not to give them the choice (i.e. leave the popdoor open), as long as you are not in the midst of a hurricane or major huge blizzard such that opening the popdoor will create a storm *in* the coop as well.

Pat

 

[pharmchickrnmom]

This is our first year with chickens so I dont have a lot of experience with them but I let them choose. I leave the pop door open so they can go in and out as they please. Now that we have colder weather and it has been windy, they spend half their day inside and the other half out. I figure if they are cold and wet, they will go in when they are uncomfortable and that is usually what they do.

 

[sturek]

I live in San Diego, and my chickens seem to like to wander around/free range in the drizzle. Is this ok for them? Also, the coop is "open" since it has chicken wire walls 3 sides. Even though we're in San Diego, should I try to put up some boards for the winter? How can I keep it warm for the chickens? I'm concerned that if I hang a light bulb or heat lamp it would not be safe - do chickens need that kind of warmth?

 

[BarkerChickens]

We let our chickens decide. We leave the door open for them. They will come out in light rain, but not in heavy rain. They don't seem to mind snow. They HATE cold wind, but don't mind a typical cold day.

 

[BarkerChickens]

Quote:
The rain is fine...if they hate it, they won't be in it. I would put up some sort of wind protection, the cold winter winds can be a bit much at times. An easy, temporary solutions is get straw bales. put one row up for 3 sides. place a 2x4 across it for a perch, then put the second row up. You can place ply wood over it to keep it covered (sand bags or cinder blocks can hold it). It should be fine for San Diego winters and then in spring, you can use it to mulch your garden.

 

[woodmort]

My coop is 50 yds from the house. I let my birds out only when I feel like hauling myself those 50 yds twice a day. In the winter when there is a foot or more of snow on the ground they stay in. (Actually they don't like deep snow any more than I do.)

ETA Rain and sleet is ok, they may go out or may not. but I give them a choice.