How to keep your chickens safe during thunderstorms and tornado warnings

Chickens are hardy birds, but severe weather—especially thunderstorms and tornadoes—can pose serious risks to their safety. High winds, heavy rain, lightning, and even hail can cause injuries, stress, or even death if precautions aren’t taken. Here’s how to protect your flock when storms are in the forecast.

1. Prepare Your Coop for Storms

A sturdy, well-built coop is your chickens’ best defense against extreme weather. Before storm season begins, make sure your coop is:

• Secure and Stable: Reinforce weak spots, check for loose boards, and ensure the roof is tightly secured.

• Waterproof: A leaky roof can cause wet bedding, leading to mold and illness. Consider adding a tarp or waterproof sealant.

• Well-Ventilated but Protected: Ensure airflow remains adequate while preventing heavy rain from soaking the interior.

• Wind-Resistant: If possible, position your coop in a sheltered area and reinforce it with extra bracing if tornadoes are common in your area.

2. Keep Your Chickens Dry and Comfortable

Wet chickens are stressed chickens. Make sure your flock has access to dry bedding and shelter by:

• Adding extra straw or pine shavings to absorb moisture.

• Keeping the run covered with tarps or solid roofing to minimize rain exposure.

• Providing roosting bars high enough to keep them off the damp ground.

3. Secure Your Flock Before the Storm Hits

Chickens can sense incoming storms and may become frantic. Before bad weather arrives:

• Lock them in the coop to prevent them from wandering into danger.

• Check for predators, as storms can drive raccoons, possums, and other threats toward coops in search of shelter.

• Remove loose objects around the coop that could become airborne hazards.

4. What to Do During a Tornado Warning

If a tornado is imminent:

• Move chickens to a storm shelter, basement, or secure barn if you have time and it’s safe to do so.

• If moving them isn’t possible, reinforce the coop by adding extra tie-downs, sandbags, or heavy objects to help weigh it down.

• After the storm passes, check on your flock immediately for injuries or missing birds. Have a poultry first-aid kit ready for any wounds.

5. Reducing Stress After the Storm

Chickens can be shaken up after severe weather. Help them recover by:

• Checking them for injuries and treating wounds immediately.

• Providing fresh food and water since their supply may have been contaminated.

• Letting them free-range (if safe) or giving them treats like mealworms to help them relax.

Final Thoughts

Storms can be frightening, but with preparation, your chickens can weather them safely. Reinforce your coop, secure your flock before storms hit, and check on them afterward to ensure they remain healthy and stress-free. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your backyard flock safe during severe weather!

Want more chicken-keeping tips? Stay tuned for more guides on caring for your flock in any situation