Wet pullets - how do I make my chickens smarter??

[Cream City Chick]

I posted about a week ago about transitioning my two 8 week old Easter Egger pullets from the basement to outside (https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=590418)

They were doing ok, seemed to be tolerating the cold, active, eating / drinking... They did seem to favor the front corner of their run and would hang out there most of the time. The run is 8ft long / 4ft wide. About 5 feet of it is covered w a tarp to protect from the rain.

I got home tonight and went to put them up in the roost (they havent figured that part out yet) and close them in for the night. There they were SOAKING WET huddled in the front corner. So, I brought them in the basement to spend the night. It is 45 degrees out now and probably will get down to high 30's so I didnt want to leave them outside to get even more chilled.

My other chickens never had a problem figuring this out. These two girls run around scratching and playing in all parts of their run all day so I dont think they are spooked by anything under the tarp.

So here are my question:

How do I "teach" them to go under the cover when it rains?
Should I try to dry them off? The basement is about 65 degrees.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[atomic_chicken]

I would cover the whole run if possible. Cold is one thing but cold AND wet is a real problem!
A dry run will help keep the smells down as well.

 

[al6517]

EE's aint the smartest birds IMHO LOL. too much mix blood, kinda like a blonde joke.

 

[Fierlin1182]

Our chickens love the rain.

I think it's good for them too, it's usually so darn hot that they're practically collapsing under their own weight, although that might just be because we're in Australia

In the winter, they still like to get themselves as wet as possible. We've never really seen any need to dry them off, they go in to sleep at night and by morning there's not a drop left on them.

 

[galanie]

My Orps were out there last winter in the 40 degree weather and rain, soaking wet. Didn't hurt them at all.

 

[centrarchid]

Show a picture of setup. Juvenile birds in your area will need to use cover from elements during rain / snow events when temperature is low.

 

[Cream City Chick]

Thanks everyone. I am going to try to find a clear plastic sheeting cover for the uncovered portion of the run as I still want them to get some sunlight.

Leaving for work now - will try to post a picture this evening.

Thanks again!!