they like the rain

[LadyGunnar]

We have had a few freak rain storms lately. My 3 month old chicks won't go under cover. The runt was shaking and turning blue from the cold. There are 3 coops, a huge covered area, and several hidey areas. I put them under cover and they come right back out unless I lock them in. I brought the runt inside during the last storm.

My other chickens run for cover. Growning up all the chickens ran for cover in heavy rain storms. Why are they doing this? I lock them inside their coops now when it storms. I am not always home to put them away.
Are they just dumb? My other babies ran for cover, two even braved going near the boss hen for cover. I hate having to go out on the storm to put them away. Any helpful ideas on how to get them to stop or do I let them get soaked? Thanks

 

[DiYMama540]

Lol! Unfortunately, this sounds all too familiar for me. We've had several severe storms lately here. While most of my girls run for cover at the first sign of trouble, I have a stubborn goose that seems to prefer to stand in the middle of it and get pelted with rain and hail. I've tried chasing her under cover, but once I go back inside she wanders back out in the middle of it and freezes.
I've decided either A. She just doesn't have the good sense to realize that it's safer and more comfortable under the roof or B. She's trying to figure out where it's coming from... who knows....

If it bothers you, I would just lock them up. I don't think they're in any real danger from getting a little wet though...I know all my birds could use a shower from time to time anyways. Good luck!

 

[LadyGunnar]

Lol! Unfortunately, this sounds all too familiar for me. We've had several severe storms lately here. While most of my girls run for cover at the first sign of trouble, I have a stubborn goose that seems to prefer to stand in the middle of it and get pelted with rain and hail. I've tried chasing her under cover, but once I go back inside she wanders back out in the middle of it and freezes.
I've decided either A. She just doesn't have the good sense to realize that it's safer and more comfortable under the roof or B. She's trying to figure out where it's coming from... who knows....

If it bothers you, I would just lock them up. I don't think they're in any real danger from getting a little wet though...I know all my birds could use a shower from time to time anyways. Good luck!

thanks. I worry because they are getting soaked. Maybe it's survival of the fittest and they are too dumb to know better.

 

[aart]

They need cover that they don't have to share with the older birds.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[LadyGunnar]

They need cover that they don't have to share with the older birds.

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1874297

They have 3 coops to go into. Two are semi blocked so that the big hens cant get into. There is also a big covered area and lots of smaller hidey area that would block the rain and the big chickens don't go near.
I tried to do the location thing. I thought it worked. Utah.

 

[aart]

Some will seek cover at the first sprinkle...others do seem a bit 'stupid' and may seek inadequate shelter or none. As long as it's not cold they should be fine.
If there's going to be a raging storm, might be better to keep them confined.

The first time my birds looked 'soaked' I was concerned too, until I stuck my hand under the stiff outer feathers and felt that they were dry and warm at skin level.

 

[LadyGunnar]

Some will seek cover at the first sprinkle...others do seem a bit 'stupid' and may seek inadequate shelter or none. As long as it's not cold they should be fine.
If there's going to be a raging storm, might be better to keep them confined.

The first time my birds looked 'soaked' I was concerned too, until I stuck my hand under the stiff outer feathers and felt that they were dry and warm at skin level.

They were soaked all the way to the skin. The runt of the group was shaking and her neck was turning blue. This wasn't light rain. It was a heavy storm that came quickly. I don't think they would have gone inside.