Hi all!

Another newbie with a question! We recently adopted 5 hens and a rooster and everything has been going great! They all seem to have adjusted to their new home, they eat well, and we've been getting 2-4 eggs a day since day one. So far, so good! Here's my question: I know it is important to keep the coop as dry as possible. What is the deal when it comes to letting them roam about their pen when it is raining? Obviously, I wouldn't put them out in the pouring rain, but what about a light rain or drizzle? Is this just inviting disease? It has been raining lightly here today but I thought it best to keep them in the coop just to be safe. When I've been to the coop to visit them, they seem extremely eager to get outside! They have plenty of room in their coop (approx. 70 sq. feet) in addition to a small window (1 ft x 1 1/2 ft) and a very large window (6 ft X 4 ft) so I know they get plenty of daylight etc...but they seem to be intent on going outside. What is the general recommendation in this situation? Any advice you folks can offer would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

Claygate

Claygate,

I open my coop everyday unless it is too cold and there is heavy snow or ice on the ground -- they actually can't stand to go out in the snow/ice anyway. I leave it open on rainy days and they mostly stay in when it's raining but love to come out in between showers, mostly to grab some earthworms in the rain puddles. I have only a few that are willing to really get wet and will stay outside if it's sprinkling. Nobody will stay out in pouring rain though.

I'd give the birds the choice. They'll retreat for shelter when they need it. The only exception I make to this is with young chicks or if the temps are really cold.

Susie

If your birds are used to going out, then your arrival tells them it's just about time! You can decide whether to let them out or not. Since they have plenty of room inside, they can stay in when needed. Susie describes what is probably a typical pattern. Some will go out in the rain and some will stay in. When the weather turns cooler, I think they should stay in more, especially if it's raining or snowing. They are not made to take cold and wet nearly as well as ducks. I personally don't like to let mine out if it's going to rain at all. They do just fine inside with good bedding and their feed and water, but they like going outside better.

Thank you all for your quick responses! I will give them the option. The phrase "madder than a wet hen" kept popping into my head, but I'll let them decide for themselves. Thanks again!

Claygate

I found the phrase "dround rat" disribes my chickens some days. But I give them the choice. If they're cold the stay in. Since they love to be outside I put put a roof over half there run and they stay under it in bad weather and are still happy to be out.