[Dominic]

my chickens are now about ten weeks old, how much rain can they tolerate?
Its coming down and they're being insistant about staying out.

[bantam novice]

Hello Dominic,
I am not that experienced but my feeling is that hens will go in if they need to.  I think they can tolerate rain.

[LittleRedHen]

I let my hens be the judge of that.  If they are uncomfortable, they'll go in on their own.

[Newbie]

Mine will shelter under trees from the very heavy stuff but don't seem to care if they are soaking wet.  They often look very bedraggled.

[Lindeggs]

If your hens are otherwise healthy and well-fed, don't worry too much about the rain.  They will preen their feathers and keep a layer of oil on them, so should only get the outer feathers wet and still have dry feathers underneath.

But do make sure their coop is warm and dry, and has no cold draughts.  That way they can stay warm when they are sleeping at night.

[Kathie]

I wouldn't worry too much, just make sure they have got a shelter and if they're in the rain it's their choice. Ours shelter under the car and we also aquired a plastic (unused) oil tank which we cut in two and they have a cosy space to shelter from any unclement weather.

[evie2]

unlike teenage boys    hens don't mind a good soaking