Sheltering Chickens from the Rain

Chicks that are old enough to be outside and young birds in their first year do not usually have the sense to shelter, they will stand around getting wet. Other birds that haven't learned to shelter from the rain are Ex-battery hens as they have spent so long inside sheltered buildings. Some breeds / hybrid chickens can handle the wet better than others and are more hardy in the poor weather conditions but breeds like the Poland (the one with all the head-gear) or the Silkie can suffer.

Birds that get soaked through can be at risk of hyperthermia, especially if there is a wind at the same time. Their body temperature soon drops, especially if there this added wind chill factor involved.

It is a good idea to provide some form of shelter from the rain and the prevailing wind if possible for your chickens. Many birds will either not use the hen house, or, due to their position in the pecking order will not be able to go inside when the higher order birds are just inside the doorway.

Shelter can be quite basic, a sheet of corrugated over a run, or a house lifted 40 cm off the ground to provide room underneath for birds to shelter, or even an old fence panel leaning against a wall or shed. Whatever you choose, ensure it is secure and won't blow away and try to provide some protection from the prevailing winds (usually coming from the South West in the UK).