Tornadoes and Free-Ranging…Thoughts?

[Texokie1]

As I sit here listening to my weather radio repeatedly signal a tornado watch for our area, I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts as to what to do with free-ranging chickens during inclement weather: do you coop them up, or let them run? I am a chicken newbie, and this is my first tornado season with chickens…I DO turn my horses out during possible tornadoes. My folks had all our horses at their place during the Super Tuesday tornadoes in ’08…and my father left the horses in the pasture (which ended up saving their lives…one barn was blown away, the other barn imploded…see pic below). So, are chickens better able to take care of themselves in a severe weather event if they are free to roost where they please, or put them up? All I have is a tractor w/nest boxes. (BTW, I know at least 90% of surviving a tornado is blind, dumb luck…a lady just up the road left her stock outside during the tornadoes and lost two horses and I'm not sure how many head of cattle...but I’d like to be able to give the girls the best possible chance.)

 

[bird boy]

They will be better off in the coop. If the coop doesn't blow away they will be protected from wind and rain and debris. If the coop goes air born the chickens can still fly out the bottom and have a good chance of survival.

 

[Texokie1]

Unfortunately, that wouldn't work. My tractor has chicken wire on the bottom (to allow grass access, but to prevent critters from digging under and getting the gals). AND, the tractor is just 2" X 4" and 1/4" plywood...I don't know that it would necessarily protect them in a bad wind storm (much less a tornado). Just trying to figure out a plan of attack before a bad event happens, ya know? I turn my horses out, but I guess I could put the girls in one of the empty stalls? The barn is pretty stout (aged oak), and if it starts going to pieces, they'd at least be able to fly over the top of the stall. I'm pretty convinced the barn will protect them in the event of a bad wind storm, at least... All I know is, the hubby will NOT tolerate me and a 3-year old, a dog and a cat, AND 8 chickens huddled in the bathtub with a matress over our heads...