Last Updated on November 2, 2023 by Pauline G. Carter
Whether you have backyard chickens or are raising chickens commercially, you need to take steps to protect your flock when bad weather hits. Chickens are fairly resilient creatures, but they do need some help to weather the storm.
Here are a few tips to help keep your chickens dry in the rain.
First, provide your chickens with a dry, sheltered area to retreat to when the rain starts. This can be an enclosed coop or simply a spot under a tree or tarp. If you have a large flock, you may need to provide multiple shelters so that all of your chickens can fit.
Second, make sure that your chickens have access to plenty of fresh, clean water. Chickens will drink more water when it’s wet and cold, so make sure their water source is not too far from their shelter. Finally, consider adding a little bit of extra bedding to your chicken coop or run.
Is it OK for chickens to get wet in the rain?
Yes, chickens can get wet in the rain. They will not drown or freeze to death, but they can get cold and sick. When it rains, chickens should be given a place to go to stay dry.
If they don’t have a dry place to go, they will likely stand in the rain and get wet. This can lead to them getting cold and sick.
What to do with your chickens when it rains?
When it rains, your chickens will likely want to stay in their coop to stay dry. If you have an outdoor run, you can put a tarp over it to keep them dry. If they don’t have a run, you can put them in a dog crate or something similar to keep them dry and safe.
Make sure they have plenty of food and water inside their coop.
How do you dry out a wet chicken coop?
If your chicken coop becomes wet, it is important to dry it out as soon as possible to prevent any health issues for your chickens. There are a few ways you can do this:
- Open up the coop to allow air to circulate and dry out the wet areas.
- If it is a sunny day, you can place a fan in the coop to help speed up the drying process.
- You can also sprinkle some absorbent material, such as sawdust, around the wet areas to help soak up the moisture. Once the coop is dry, be sure to clean it thoroughly to prevent any mold or mildew from developing.
Conclusion
It’s no secret that chickens don’t like the rain. They’ll do anything to avoid getting wet, including huddling together under a tree or running for cover.
But what happens when there’s nowhere to hide? How can you keep your chickens dry in the rain?
The first step is to make sure that your chicken coop is well-ventilated. This will help to prevent the build-up of moisture inside the coop, which can lead to respiratory problems in chickens.
You should also make sure that the coop is situated in a spot that gets good drainage. If your chickens are free-range, you can provide them with temporary shelter by placing a tarp over their run. Make sure that the tarp is securely fastened so that it doesn’t blow away in the wind.
You can also buy or build a chicken tractor, which is a mobile chicken coop that can be moved to different areas of your property.