Keeping your chickens healthy in wet weather

April showers may bring May flowers, but they also bring plenty of mud, moisture, and potential hazards for backyard chickens. While chickens don’t mind a little drizzle, prolonged wet conditions can create serious health and sanitation issues. Here’s what to watch out for and how to keep your flock happy and healthy during the rainy season.

1.

Mud and Poor Drainage

Excess rain can turn your chicken run into a muddy mess, which can lead to:

• Muddy feet and feathers – This makes chickens uncomfortable and can lead to foot infections like bumblefoot.

• Bacteria and parasites – Standing water is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and parasites that can make your flock sick.

• Difficult egg-laying conditions – Hens may avoid laying if their nesting area is too damp or muddy.

  
  

Solution:

• Add straw, wood chips, or sand to improve drainage in the run.

• Elevate coops and nesting boxes to keep them dry.

• Consider adding a covered or partially roofed area to the run.

  
  

2.

Coop Ventilation and Damp Bedding

Moisture inside the coop leads to mold, mildew, and respiratory issues like infectious bronchitis or chronic respiratory disease (CRD). Wet bedding can also contribute to ammonia buildup from droppings, which irritates the eyes and lungs.

Solution:

• Ensure proper coop ventilation without direct drafts.

• Use absorbent bedding like pine shavings and replace it frequently.

• Check for leaks in the roof and repair them immediately.

  
  

3.

Risk of Hypothermia

While adult chickens tolerate cold temperatures, wet and windy conditions can lead to hypothermia, especially in young or featherless birds. If they stay wet for too long, they struggle to regulate their body temperature.

Solution:

• Provide a dry, draft-free shelter where they can escape the rain.

• Avoid letting chickens sleep outside in the rain.

• For chicks and featherless breeds (like Silkies), ensure they stay dry and warm.

  
  

4.

Increased Risk of Fowl Pox and Other Diseases

Standing water can attract mosquitoes, which spread fowl pox—a viral disease that causes wart-like sores on a chicken’s face and comb. Wet environments can also encourage bacterial and fungal infections.

Solution:

• Eliminate puddles and standing water near the coop.

• Use mosquito deterrents like herbs (lemongrass, lavender) and natural repellents.

• Keep the coop clean and dry to prevent bacterial growth.

  
  

5.

Flooding and Predators

Heavy rain can flood coops and runs, making chickens vulnerable to predators like raccoons and foxes that take advantage of weakened structures. Wet ground also makes it easier for burrowing predators to dig under fencing.

Solution:

• Check for any weak points in fencing and reinforce them.

• Raise the coop off the ground if possible.

• Secure feed in waterproof containers to avoid attracting pests.

  
  

6.

Wet Feed and Moldy Grains

Wet chicken feed can quickly grow mold, leading to toxic mycotoxins that cause illness in chickens. If feed gets damp, it can also ferment and become unsafe to eat.

Solution:

• Store feed in waterproof containers with tight lids.

• Keep feeders covered or bring them inside during heavy rain.

• Regularly check for signs of mold or spoilage in stored feed.

Final Thoughts

Chickens are hardy creatures, but too much moisture can pose serious risks. By taking a few preventive steps, you can ensure that your flock stays dry, healthy, and comfortable during April’s rainy season. A little preparation goes a long way in keeping your backyard flock happy—rain or shine!