who leaves their chickens in the coop when it rains?

[Joyryder]

I open my coop, but only a couple will venture out. There isn't any covered area yet, but we're working on it for the winter.

 

[Slywoody]

I keep mine in when it's raining hard or has rained alot. It keeps the eggs ALOT cleaner.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

My girls seem to love the rain. Yesterday, it was raining 'cats and dogs' and my dd was here visiting and said " Mom, your chickens are acting like ducks, I didn't think chickens liked water." Well, my chickens can go into a nice dry coop, with fresh food and water avalible 24/7 but NO---they are out scratching in the mud, drinking from mud puddles and looking like they just escaped from the stew pot of boiling water!!!!

 

[nancysmith2]

My coop is 3 ft off the ground with 1/2 x 1/2 wire so the poo falls through and there is no mud. Is it too cold up north for that kind of coop? My girls free range most of the time.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
They go under the coop if it starts pouring, but they stay out in light rain.\\
I think their feathers keep them comfortable, most natural fibers are wonderful insulators even when wet (like wool)

I may have to change my answer. We're supposed to have 6 inches of rain in the next 2 days. If I let them out I might have to provide scuba gear!

I was wondering if I should raise my feeder, so that it doesn't flood, or worse...float away! LOL

Actually I do worry about all that rain on my month-olds. They are mostly feathered, but heck that's a lot of water!​

 

[SimplyForties]

Mine are free rangers so I don't have to worry about muddy runs. I open the door every day and let them choose. It poured down rain all day yesterday and was about 50 degrees and they chose to stay out pretty much all day, picking and scratching and ruffling their feathers. Seemed to be having a good time!

 

[Terri]

i let mine decide what they want to do, must go out in the rain and start pruning their feathers(chicken shower?).

 

[jojo54]

I open the door every morning and they can decide. So far they never stay in but may go under the trees for awhile in the rain.

 

[Danceswithchicks]

Mine just sleep in their little house!