Rainy days can be a refreshing break from the usual routine for your backyard chickens, but free ranging after a big rain requires a bit of extra care. Ensuring your flock's safety while they explore the damp and potentially muddy landscape is crucial. Here’s how to make sure your chickens have a fun and safe time free ranging after a rainstorm.
1. Assessing the Environment
- Check for Puddles and Flooded Areas: Large puddles or flooded spots can pose a drowning risk, especially for younger or smaller chickens. Make sure to drain any significant water accumulation or keep your chickens away from these areas.
- Look for Hazardous Debris: Storms can bring down branches, scatter sharp objects, and create other hazards. Do a quick scan of your yard and remove any dangerous debris before letting your chickens out.
- Inspect for Toxic Plants and Mushrooms: Wet conditions can bring out plants and mushrooms that could be harmful if ingested. Remove any suspicious flora to ensure your chickens don't accidentally eat something toxic.
2. Preparing the Ground
- Avoid Muddy Areas: Chickens love scratching in the dirt, but muddy areas can lead to messy feathers and potential foot problems like bumblefoot. If possible, restrict access to particularly muddy spots or lay down straw or wood chips to create drier pathways.
- Provide Dry Spots: Create dry areas where chickens can rest and preen. Tarps, wooden pallets, or large pieces of cardboard can help keep certain areas dry and comfortable.
3. Protecting Against Predators
- Increased Vigilance: Rain can wash away scents that usually deter predators, making your chickens more vulnerable. Be extra vigilant about predator protection after a rainstorm.
- Secure Fencing: Ensure that your fencing is intact and free from gaps. Wet ground can loosen fence posts, so double-check that everything is secure.
- Supervision: If possible, supervise your chickens while they free range. Predators are more likely to strike when the ground is wet and soft, making it easier for them to dig under fences.
4. Health Considerations
- Clean Water Supply: Rainwater can contaminate water sources with dirt and bacteria. Refresh your chickens’ water supply with clean, fresh water after a rain.
- Watch for Signs of Illness: Wet conditions can increase the risk of respiratory issues and infections. Keep an eye out for any signs of illness, such as sneezing, coughing, or lethargy, and separate any sick birds from the flock.
- Foot Care: Wet and muddy conditions can lead to foot problems. Regularly check your chickens’ feet for signs of bumblefoot or other issues, and keep their coop and roosting areas as dry as possible.
5. Enhancing the Experience
- Treats and Enrichment: Scatter some treats like mealworms or cracked corn in drier areas to encourage foraging and keep your chickens active. Enrichment activities can make their free-ranging time more enjoyable and beneficial.
- Dust Baths: Chickens love dust baths to clean their feathers and deter parasites. Provide a dry, covered dust bath area with sand, ash, and diatomaceous earth to keep them happy and healthy.
6. After the Fun
- Coop Cleanliness: After your chickens have had their fun, ensure their coop is clean and dry. Wet bedding can harbor bacteria and lead to health problems, so replace any damp bedding with fresh, dry material.
- Drying Off: If your chickens get too wet, help them dry off by bringing them into a warm, dry area. Use towels or a gentle blow dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process if needed.
Free ranging after a big rain can be a delightful experience for your chickens if done safely. By taking a few precautions and making the environment as safe and enjoyable as possible, you can ensure your flock has a wonderful time exploring their refreshed surroundings. Happy chicken keeping!
