Even small coverings are helpful during rains.
When Rain Messes With the Chickens ( and you!)
Not everyone has a covered chicken run. While most chicken farmers have chicken coops, many are subject to great problems when the rains come. I have been one of those chicken farmers. There are 8 runs on our farm including a maternity ward and a time out run. For many moons only 3 of those runs had an actual covering that could protect the food from rain and truly it was a shame! It was a mess and the chickens were… a mess and wet all day! Not only did it cost me money in the long run, it was messy and the girls had trouble filling up. So, when rain messes with the chickens ( and you!) ya’ gotta’ do something!
As you may know, chickens are picky eaters (pun intended). LOL. Chickens like dry food and even in cases where a piece of bread is tossed to the chicks, if it falls in water, many will let it soak. Chickens are not like ducks. They do not like water for pleasure and when it comes to their food, they want to eat dry, wholesome grain.
I’ve only been in the chicken business a few years so I’m learning as I go. In the case of the rain, I’m still working to find the best way to deal with mist, rains, sprays and splatters. It’s not fun either and indeed, the girls do not like soggy food.
Here are the things that I’ve found success with when it comes to having open-air chicken runs during the rainy season.
Select an Area
1. Select one area in the run where a covering can be placed. Choose a corner, under a nesting box, beside the coop or in a random area. Place at least a 3 foot by 3 foot board that leans so that water can drain away from the food container. It is best to put shingles on the board to protect it but that would be of a personal choice.
Use Metal Roofing
2. Use metal roofing to provide a covering for some area of the run. Tin can be bought in sheets. This piece can be cut to fit any particular corner you might select. Again, be sure it’s large enough to cover the feeder during a rain storm.
Use the Underneath area of a Coop
3. Use the underneath area of a coop. If your coop is off the ground, using the under area for feeding would work but there is a caution here. If food is left beneath the coop, it could draw rats and other predators so be mindful of this.
Build a Room within the Run
4. Build a room with a full open side and 3 closed sides. This might solve other concerns regarding better laying experiences for hens and more. This 3 sided room could be as tall or short as you like it but it would be such that you could put your feeder in it during rainy days.
Place Large Wood or Metal on the Run Top
5. Place a large sheet of metal or plywood on top of the entire tops of your runs. This may or may not be feasible but think of the possibilities in order to keep things, including the chickens and their food dry.
For open-air chicken runs the problem with rain is very real so consider the best option for you and yours and by all means- share your ideas with us on Twitter and Facebook. When rain messes with the chickens ( and you!), ya’ gotta do something!
