chicken-drummer Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Hi Everyone, I feel a bit silly asking this question (but I'm going to ask it anyway!) How do chickens feel about rain? Do they like it, hate it, or does it depend on the individual chicken? I'm trying to decide whether it would be a good idea for us to cover the top of the cube run so that the chickens stay dry whatever the weather - but I don't know if this is really necessary. I wouldn't want them to be stuck inside or under the cube because it was raining. But I wouldn't want to deprive them of rain if they enjoy it! Let me know what you (or more importantly your chickens!) think. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pearsons Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 I think it depends on the chicken. My white hen loves the rain - especially the puddles and is usually to be found mud bathing given half a chance. Most of the others don't mind the rain either but a couple of them take refuge under cover at the least suggestion of damp.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 My bantams don't like rain. If they are free ranging and it goes dark they head for the run, in fact if you go out in the garden and look at the sky and say I think it's going to rain they start heading back to the run! Bumble on the other hand doesn't seem to care. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HENthusiastic Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 I've got a covered run, on the grounds that it would get so very muddy in there if it was totally open to the rain. My girls have freeranging at weekends. I have three girls, two dont seem to mind rain, but the other one looks very sorry for herself in the rain, but stays outside with the other two, looking sorry for herself! Ive tried picking her up and putting her under cover, but she soon returns to the company of her soggy chums. They behaved exactly the same in the snow the other day! (As you can see in my Avatar.) I'm glad I covered my run, because they can make a wet earthy patch a mud bog in a very short time. Although I guess the wood chips would maybe stop that happening a bit?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 I think it depends on the chicken. Mine happily play out in it. They are not to keen on hail mind you! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm200 Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 Mine seem to like it. They stay out in all but the heaviest rain. They love to catch the drops of rainwater on the run bars and used to like catching the rain running down the patio door Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura & CTB Posted April 7, 2008 Share Posted April 7, 2008 My two are complete wimps - they hate the rain, the wind, hail and snow - mind you so do I Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chicken-drummer Posted April 7, 2008 Author Share Posted April 7, 2008 Sounds like I should decide what flooring we're going to use - hadn't thought about that! Even if they do like the rain wouldn't like them running (swimming?) round in a mud bath. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
