Can Chooks Sense Rain?

[julesapple]

It's very humid here today, with big grey clouds threatening rain, but no actual rainfall yet.

The girls are all laying down, not much activity at all, so I'm wondering if the weather is affecting them, as it is really muggy, or whether they do the same thing as cows?

Jules

[bluemoon]

In my limited experience the only way they experience rain is by standing there saying; 'Duh, what's all this wet stuff falling out of the sky?' The muggy weather might have made them drowsy, but I've noticed that mine, especially the hens, tend to have an afternoon nap whatever the weather.

[RichmondHens]

No, they will just be resting. Mine only dive for cover when it's pelting down, although the other night when it really was pouring they stayed stuck under the hen house in virtual darkness because they didn't want to go out into the rain to get up the ramp to bed!!

[Flummery]

Mine can't even sense it when it's trickling down their feathers! They do sit snuggled together every so often though. I think it's because with getting up at dawn and going to bed at sundown, (auto pop-hole opener) they probably need a little rest every now and then!

[Glutton4...]

Mine have stayed outside in the rain today, and it was absolutely pelting down! There was a large puddle in the run, and three or four of them were splashing around in it like ducks!

Yesterday, after it had rained the sun came out, so they all lined up and stood there with their wings out to dry them in the sun - so they can't be that stupid can they?

[shirlthegirl43]

Yesterday, after it had rained the sun came out, so they all lined up and stood there with their wings out to dry them in the sun - so they can't be that stupid can they?

I don't know so much - mine do a pretty good impression of extremely stupid (picture two large australorp ladies trying to squeeze through a one-chook size pop hole side by side)

[julesapple]

Clever Girls!

I'm pleased to say that when it persisted it down just before 4pm (spot on Metcheck) my girls ran for cover! Now they're eating the worms that have surfaced in the downpour.

It may have been a fluke, but I'd like to think I chose clever chooks - unless that's an oxymoron?

Jules

[Glutton4...]

I don't know so much - mine do a pretty good impression of extremely stupid (picture two large australorp ladies trying to squeeze through a one-chook size pop hole side by side)

Yup, my Batties do that too! Also, we've got a nest-box designed for about three, but they regularly squeeze about six in there! Daft beggers

[janeyo]

Mine will be sheltering under the conifers to keep dry, then when they hear me coming they run out flapping and get soaking wet... they are looking for treats lol.
The black rock (Doris) doesn't seem to get as wet, I think her feathers are more tightly packed.