[pauldc]

ive been told,that if your chickens get wet feet,lots of rain like today,they dont lay! is this true or old wifes tales.should i keep them in the coop,or what?,cheers paul

[Aunt Sally]

Old wives tale I'd say.

Having said that if your chooks are in wet conditions for too long they will get foot problems !

[pauldc]

they go in and out of the coop,so there is some shelter,just dont want them in the coop all day and night if its raining,thats not nice is it!might get a sheet of wood or plastic to cover half of the run,what you think

[Aunt Sally]

Yes, I'd certainly cover part of the run for them.  They will be much happier  

[Oliveview]

We got badly flooded out last November, I was away, but hubby said the hens still carried on laying, even though their house was under inches of mud :shock:  At the moment we have on-off rain here, and when it rains it sure does rain, the hens are still going in and out no matter about the rain- daft or what?
Pamela

[pauldc]

thanks for replies,ive just put a sheet of plastic over half of the run,cant wait till tomorrow morning again

[poultrygeist]

Biggest prob is when it's pelting down AND blowing a gale.

That way the horizontal rain finds its way under the cover and gets everything soaking.

Only answer is to put down loads of bark chippings and/or straw and let them get on with it.

I've got some low level windbreak up to a couple of feet but this blustery weather is not good.

Plenty of perch space outisde too is a good thing. They can get up and preen providing they don't get blown off again !

Rob

[Wildeone]

peeing it down here today and 3 eggs from 4 girls who are moulting like the clappers!  

[Fat Hen]

I have a small completely covered run which I shut them in (hen house in there too) when weathers foul, or when no-ones about.  It's also reasonably protected on 3 sides.  Rest of time they free range  my back garden.

They really complain though about being shut in.