There were heavy rainfalls in my city recently and I tried my best to save my chickens from the rain. I have heard many chicken owners asking “Can Chickens Drown in the Rain?” and after the recent rainfalls, I got the experience to share with you.
In this article, I will share my experience with you all on how to save your chickens when there is heavy rainfall in your region. I will also uncover the mystery of “Is this possible that chickens can drown in the rain?” and then provide a comprehensive understanding of how chickens interact with rain and the potential risks involved.
Can Chickens Drown in the Rain: Rain’s Impact on Chickens
It is crucial to understand chicken’s behavior in rain to understand the answer of whether chickens can drown in the rain.
Contrary to popular belief, chickens will not drown from merely standing in the rain or even being exposed to a downpour. The primary risk associated with rain is the potential for chickens to catch a chill or develop hypothermia.
To prevent hypothermia you need to make sure that your chicken will have sheltered spaces for drying off and getting warm. You can allow your chickens to stand in the rain during light drizzling rainfall but herd them indoors as soon as you can during heavy rainfall to prevent prolonged exposure.
Can Chickens Get Sick From The Rain
Chickens possess slightly water-proof feathers that provide a level of protection against getting wet too quickly. However, if the rain is intense then water can penetrate their feathers and reach the skin which can cause them to get a deadly chill.
Sometimes even light or moderate rainfall can do this because of chilly weather. This makes it important to provide them with suitable shelter.
Why Are My Chickens Standing In The Rain?
I noticed that some of my chickens enjoyed the rain and stood there during light rain but some were not interested and tried to go inside the shelter.
Through my research, I found out that chickens like rain for various reasons. Rain brings out insects and bugs which makes foraging easy and chickens are known to venture into the rain to hunt for these treats.
Most chickens will retreat during heavy rain as they don’t like to get wet but some adventurous ones might need a little push to seek shelter.
Can Baby Chickens Get Wet
Adult chickens can withstand light rain but chicks should never be exposed to it. Their downy feathers lack the water-resistant properties of mature chickens which makes them vulnerable to hypothermia.
Therefore, it is important to keep chicks away from rain and provide them with proper shelter to ensure their survival.
Silkie Chickens and Rain
Silkie chickens share a similar vulnerability to baby chicks when it comes to rain. Their soft and downy feathers do not repel water effectively which makes them prone to becoming soaked. Therefore, remember silkie chickens can get soaking wet in the rain.
Keeping silkies sheltered during rain is important to prevent them from falling ill due to hypothermia.
What To Do With Chickens When It Rains?
It is essential to take prompt action to warm them up and dry them off.
Use a Towel to Dry your Chickens
Remember if your chickens have been in the rain then try using a towel to dry them off before herding them into the shelter.
Provide Dry and Warm Coop Bedding
You would have to make sure that the coop bedding should be dry and warm. For chicks, special attention is required to prevent fatalities due to extreme cold.
Provide a Perch to Your Chickens Above the Ground
I would suggest you all provide them a perch off the ground which can help them keep their feet dry and prevent them from standing in cold rainwater for extended periods.
Cover the Coop Rainwater Entrances
You should also cover all the entrances in the chicken coop from where rainwater can seep into the coop.
Monitor Signs of Hypothermia
You should also monitor your chickens for signs of hypothermia which include lethargy, puffed feathers, and stiffness.
Chickens’ Swimming Ability: Can Chickens Drown In The Rain?
It is to let you know that chickens can stay afloat even though they are not good swimmers. However, chickens in cold water for prolonged periods can catch a chill.
This conforms to the query that chickens will not drown in the rain but they can get ill.
Drowning Risks in Water
Chickens can drown in water but not in rain as their feet are not webbed like those of ducks. To ensure the safety of your chickens provide shallow water sources and avoid deep or running water to prevent drowning incidents.