The Poultry Keeper The Independent Forum for Poultry Keepers    FAQ   Search     Register   Log in  Are hens ok to be out in the rain?          The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> General & Misc Author Message Autumn Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 486 Location: Suffolk Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 2:53 pm    Post subject: Are hens ok to be out in the rain? I know this might seem a silly question, but it's pouring down with rain here now and one of our hens is still out scratching around in the rain. Do I need to put her in the covered run or are they waterproof? Back to top kated Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 2041 Location: norfolk Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 3:22 pm    Post subject: I wouldn't bother myself. If she's out and scratching about then she's ok. She would go in if she were cold. Back to top Chris Kurzfeld Joined: 29 Oct 2007 Posts: 1649 Location: Carmarthenshire Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 3:25 pm    Post subject: They aren't really waterproof but some chooks don't seem to mind the rain and will get soaked! Mine have an old caravan, 2 small shelters, a lambing barn and both coops to shelter in but, unless it's torrential, they will quite happily stay out for a shower - after 3 years i've stopped worrying about them getting wet! Back to top Welsh Duck Joined: 18 Jul 2007 Posts: 2046 Location: Herefordshire/Welsh Border Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 4:11 pm    Post subject: It only really affects youngsters, they can get chilled. Adult birds are fine as long as they can go in if they want to Back to top Autumn Joined: 27 Jun 2008 Posts: 486 Location: Suffolk Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 5:10 pm    Post subject: Thank you!! Back to top mojo Joined: 13 Apr 2005 Posts: 10928 Location: GLENAY north deux sevre FRANCE Posted: Sun Jul 06, 2008 7:29 pm    Post subject: some of mine relish a shower in heavy rain others dash for the shed if it spits .........like most animals each one is differant Back to top Timbo Joined: 03 Mar 2006 Posts: 206 Location: Cranfield, Beds. Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:47 am    Post subject: It really depends on the bird too. Show strains of Orpingtons I had were very fluffy and wouldn't stand the rain. The utility type I now have are harder feathered and don't seem to mind the poor weather so much. My Black Rocks are hard core and stay out unless it is torrential..! Back to top Teasal Joined: 18 Jun 2008 Posts: 358 Location: High Peak Derbyshire Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:14 pm    Post subject: The way the weather has been here lately, my lot would be indoors all the time if they stayed in out of the weather. They are absolutely fine in the rain and are out now in a torrential downpour. They can go in if they want, but its up to them!! Back to top Attila The Hen Joined: 19 Sep 2005 Posts: 442 Location: Shetland Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 4:38 pm    Post subject: Timbo wrote: It really depends on the bird too. Show strains of Orpingtons I had were very fluffy and wouldn't stand the rain. The utility type I now have are harder feathered and don't seem to mind the poor weather so much. My Black Rocks are hard core and stay out unless it is torrential..! My show strain Orps are as fluffy and absorbant as they come... but some of them still insist of staying out in torrential rain up here. Like Mojo says, it depends on the bird in question! Attila Back to top Dusty Joined: 07 Jan 2008 Posts: 935 Location: St. Asaph Posted: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:23 pm    Post subject: Most of mine stay undercover but when they see me they come running (exdpecting food) and tend to then stay out scratching around. the Black Rocks don't mind the rain at all Back to top Elliecat Joined: 26 Jun 2008 Posts: 21 Location: Devon Posted: Wed Jul 09, 2008 11:21 am    Post subject: My Araucanas are really big rain wooses!!! they rush for the cover of their house if it spits at them! As everyone else says apart from that it seems to depend on the hen. I have 2 Kune Kune pigs as well and both of them and all the ducks have been known to shelter in the pig house together if it really pours! That can be very entertaining to see. Back to top Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First         The Poultry Keeper Forum Index -> General & Misc All times are GMT + 1 Hour Page 1 of 1 Powered by phpBB © 2001, 2005 phpBB Group