Owning chickens can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges. One such challenge is deciding whether to let chickens out during the rain or keep them in until the weather clears. As a chicken owner myself, I understand the dilemma that comes with this decision.
My wife and I have different opinions on this matter. She believes that letting the chickens out during the rain is cruel, and they may get sick if they get wet and cold. On the other hand, I believe that as long as they have access to shelter, it’s okay to let them out during the rain.
Where Do Chickens Go When It Rains?
To begin with, it’s essential to understand that chickens in the wild do not seek shelter in a coop when it rains. Instead, they go where they are comfortable. Chickens are smart animals and have natural instincts that help them survive in the wild. They know how to find a dry spot and huddle together to keep warm and dry.
In my experience, my chickens like the rain until they don’t, and then they hang out under the trampoline. They also have two large barns with food and water in and outside, so they can choose to take shelter in there if they want to.
To Let Them Out or Not to Let Them Out?
My chickens typically stay out all day, regardless of the weather. They have access to the coop all day, but they don’t usually go in there unless they’re laying. I have a tractor that I made, which I cover in a plastic shower curtain. They go and stay in there if the weather is bad.
However, my wife thinks it’s cruel to let them out during the rain, and she prefers to keep them in until the weather clears. She believes that the chickens may get sick if they get wet and cold, which could lead to health issues.
On the other hand, I personally don’t allow them out during the rain because it is more difficult for me to deal with them when it’s time for them to go into the coop. My chickens have a pen that surrounds the coop, so they stay in there until the rain passes or all day if it keeps raining. They go into the coop on their own, and I go out and close it up.
Ultimately, the decision to let your chickens out during the rain or keep them in until the weather clears depends on several factors, such as the size of the coop, the type of shelter available, and the individual preferences of the chickens. If you have a small coop, it may be best to keep them in when it rains, especially if they do not have access to shelter.
However, if you have a large coop or a covered area where your chickens can seek shelter from the rain, you can consider letting them out. You should also observe your chickens’ behavior during the rain and see if they are comfortable or if they are getting wet and cold.
Conclusion
As a chicken owner, it’s essential to consider the well-being and comfort of your birds when making decisions about whether to let them out during the rain or keep them in. It’s a personal choice, and there are pros and cons to both options. However, as long as your chickens have access to shelter and are not in danger of getting wet and cold, letting them out during the rain may not be harmful to them.
