It is most important to keep backyard chickens safe in high winds and storms. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced chicken, these situations are difficult to handle.
Chickens raised in backyards can survive for years, but they are seriously at risk from strong winds or cyclones. Flooding or storm surge can drown birds, debris can injure them, and strong winds can tear apart fragile coops.
Planning ahead and being aware of these risks are essential. Hurricane-force storms can produce tornadoes, flooding, storm surge, high winds, flying debris, and heavy rain. Storm surge can pose the biggest risk to property and human life along coastal areas.
You can safeguard your flock by evaluating risks, strengthening housing, and having a well-defined emergency plan.
The advice below covers choosing a site. It includes strengthening the coop. Make sure you have emergency supplies on hand. Plan how to evacuate. Get back to normal after a storm.
Choose a Safe Location – Elevate and Drain
The best way to protect the chicken coop from flooding is to put it on high ground that drains well. Choose a site that is higher up and away from low areas that tend to get waterlogged.
Therefore, during rain or storms, coops built in depressions may flood, posing a danger to the birds.
If it might flood, put roosts and nest boxes high up so chickens can sit on them without getting wet. Also, hang feeders and waterers off the ground or put them on platforms so that rising water doesn’t soak the food.
During a storm, water in the coop can quickly make birds sick or even kill them if it touches wires. When you prepare a site properly, you should also look for drafty or windy spots.
The coop should be near a hillside or a strong fence to protect it from the wind, but don’t park it under big trees (see below). Remember not to put a coop in a flood plain or waterway.
Make the Coop’s Structure Stronger
Hurricane winds will destroy a chicken coop that is made to look like a weak garden shed. Check the structure of the coop and make it stronger well before storm season.
The foundation of the coop should be strong and in a safe place. The coop’s corners should be anchored with concrete footings or ground anchors (auger screws).
To keep the frame in place, use hurricane straps or tie-downs. Add cross-braces to the roof supports and walls to make the frame stronger.
This way, the frame won’t bend or fall apart. As temporary supports or to keep the roof on tight during a storm, bungee cords or ratchet straps can be used.
Also, make sure that the roof is securely attached to the walls. Put hurricane clips or straps on the joints where the roof meets the wall to keep the roof from lifting in strong winds.
A good roof rafter should be nailed or screwed into the wall studs. If you use lightweight roofing materials like corrugated metal, polycarbonate, etc., make sure the panels are securely fastened with extra screws or glue if you need to.
Fix any leaks, loose shingles, or weak spots in the roof before the storm so it doesn’t fall apart in the wind or rain.
Do few things like:
- Fix the base: Attach the coop to concrete pads with bolts or deep screw anchors.
- Cross-brace the frame: To make the structure stronger, put diagonal braces between the studs and the rafters.
- Protect the roof: Use hurricane clips to attach the rafters and trusses, and make sure the roof is securely attached.
- Use storm-proof materials: For example, use treated posts and beams made of strong wood and wind-resistant materials for the roof.
You can make sure the coop can handle any wind by strengthening it all year, not just at the last minute. Get extra wood, nails, tarps, and other basic repair tools and supplies on hand for quick fixes.
Cover Openings and Seal Gaps
Wind and rain can get into a coop through open doors, windows, vents, and cracks. Before storm season, use latches or screws to lock all of your doors and windows.
Make sure they don’t open when the wind blows by bracing or locking them. Instead of simple hooks, you might want to use strong latches like carabiner clips or heavy-duty hasps.
Storm shutters or sheets of plywood can be used to cover windows or ventilation holes. Plywood panels, cut-to-fit plastic boards, or heavy tarps are all temporary coverings that can help keep debris and driving rain out.
If you use tarps, make sure they are securely attached but not completely sealed off from air flow. Chickens still need it.
- Lock hatches and doors, preferably from the inside so the wind can’t open them.
- Plaster or screw rigid plastic panels to windows and vents to cover them.
- Keep wind and water out by filling gaps and holes with caulk, spray foam, or rope insulation.
Ventilation is very important in normal weather, but during a hurricane-strength storm, you might need to partially close vents. Make sure there is at least some airflow.
Sealing the coop up completely can let ammonia and mold spores build up very quickly. After the storm is over, leave small gaps or adjust vents instead of covering big openings.
Clear and Prune the Surroundings
A lot of the time, flying objects do more damage to coops than the wind itself. Check the area around the coop and take away any tools, buckets, boards, plastic bins, tarps, or other things that could blow away.
Bring portable feeders, perches, and toys inside or tie them down. Get rid of any loose items in the chicken yard that could be used as weapons.
Cutting down or pruning big tree limbs near the coop is very important. Branches that hang over can provide shade, but during a storm, they can break and fall, damaging coops and birds.
Get rid of any weak or dead trees that hang over the chicken pen. Clear a large area around the trees so that even healthy branches can break in the wind.
Walk around the outside of the coop and yard with the storm in mind as a safety check. Ask yourself, “What could fly into this coop if the wind is 90 mph?” Anything that says “yes” should be locked up or moved.
Even things inside the coop, like buckets, extra boards, and plastic chairs, should be put away before a storm. Loose bedding or can become dangerous projectiles.
Secure Utilities and Mobile Coops
Turn off any lights, fans, or heat lamps that are powered by electricity in your coop before the storm. To avoid electrocution or fires during flooding, flip the main breaker.
If you have electrical cords, heaters, or fixtures, move them higher up or somewhere dry because rising water can reach them. Before you start, unplug everything.
If you have a chicken tractor or another mobile coop, make sure you have a kit for high winds. Move a light coop to a safe building, like a garage, barn, or pole shed, if you can, until the storm is over.
You can securely attach ground anchors to the base, wrap cables or straps around the frame, or put sandbags in each corner if it has to stay outside.
Use sandbags, auger anchors, and tie-down straps to prevent lifting. Keep in mind that enough wind can lift even the strongest fixed coops, and a mobile coop is even more dangerous.
- Turn off the power: To avoid shocks and fires, turn off the power at the source. Tools and extension cords should not be plugged in.
- Move things: Put brooders and heaters above flood level or bring them inside.
- Anchor portable buildings: To keep the frame in place, put ground screws, T-posts, sandbags, or concrete blocks under it.
Stock Essential Supplies
Owners who are well-prepared always have extra supplies on hand. Food and water are very important.
Make sure you have enough food for your flock for at least a week before storm season. Before storms, a lot of stores and mills that make bird food close down or get very empty.
Also, keep a lot of clean water on hand. Every two to three days, a chicken may need about a gallon. (If on city water, fill containers; if on a well, fill barrels.) Feed should be kept at least 2 feet above the ground in sealed, waterproof containers so that it doesn’t get wet.
It’s also a good idea to store extra bedding and litter. If the power goes out or the coop floods, extra straw, wood shavings, or mulch can soak up water and keep the eggs warm.
Putting diatomaceous earth or sweet PDZ in the coop can help control the ammonia if cleaning is put off because of the storm.
You might need a manual bucket waterer. You may also need a battery-powered lantern. Consider a tarp or plastic sheeting along with scrap plywood, zip ties, rope, and duct tape. Basic tools like a hammer, nails, and a saw can be useful too.
Poultry owners say that tarps, buckets, and even stray treats are good things to have on hand. Toys to keep birds busy are also recommended. These items can help in case of an emergency.
Checklist for an emergency kit: Put important things in a bin or box, like:
- Feed for one to two weeks stored in a dry, rodent-proof container.
- Providing drinking water in jugs or containers for the same time period.
- Chickens need a basic first-aid kit (see below).
- Extra shavings or straw for bedding and warmth.
- Hand tools like gloves, zip ties, rope, hammers and nails, and hammers and nails.
- Tarps made of plastic and heavy blankets.
- A flashlight, batteries, a weather radio, or a fully charged cell phone to get the latest news.
Prepare by having a full first-aid kit, plastic tarps, buckets of water, food for at least a week, straw bales, and treats for the birds to keep them busy. You should also find a “safe, dry area” like a garage, basement, stall, or other place to hide.
Prepare Your Flock
Before the wind picks up, put your birds somewhere safe to stay. Do not let them roam freely during the storm.
The chickens roam free in bad weather can be dangerous. Chickens that are free can get swept away, hurt or killed by falling objects, or attacked by animals.
Instead, keep all of the chickens inside the coop or a strong enclosure until the winds get really bad. As a general rule, you should protect your flock once the storm’s outer bands are within 24 hours.
Once the birds are safe inside, don’t open the coop again until the storm is over. Keeping them out of the weather will keep them safer.
Make the room inside as cozy as you can. Cover the coop’s floor with a thick layer of clean, dry straw, pine shavings, wood chips, or mulch.
This keeps the chickens from getting too cold on the floors and gives them something to scratch and peck at. You can even spread scratch grains in the bedding to give them something to eat while the storm is going on.
Place feeders and waterers for the birds inside the coop before locking it up. To keep a hanging waterer from falling over, you can either screw it to a wall stud or use hardware cloth as a hanger.
Make sure that each bird has enough food and water for at least 24 to 48 hours in case you can’t get to the coop during the worst weather. It’s important to remember that birds shouldn’t be let out in a hurricane because it can cause dust to build up.
Bed them down: Predators or shallow coops? Move the birds to a bigger garage or shed if you can, where they can safely rest on roosts you build. If you can’t bring them inside, pile extra straw or hay in the coop run to block the wind and provide extra bedding.
Do not panic: Birds are scared of sudden storms. Heavy blankets or tarps can be put over the coop to block out thunder and lightning. Hang toys or perches that they know how to use. Give the chickens their favorite treats, like corn or mealworms, before the storm to keep them busy.
Don’t go inside the house: While you’re inside (see below), don’t put birds in kitchens or living rooms. For health reasons, UF/IFAS advises against keeping chickens in main living areas. You can also use garages, basements, or outbuildings as holding areas.
Lastly, keep an eye on the weather all the time. Get alerts for your area and pay attention to official warnings or watches.
As a big storm approaches, make sure the coop is safe hours, not minutes, before the winds start to blow. If the government tells people to leave, you need to make plans right away for your flock (see below).
Develop an Evacuation Plan
In very bad situations, like Category 4–5 hurricanes, tsunami warnings, etc., you might have to move your chickens to a different property.
It’s hard to move chickens during a storm, but having a plan can save lives. Decide ahead of time who will take care of your chickens. Determine who will move them if you have to leave or go on vacation.
When you need help, keep a list of people who know your routines (neighbors, 4-H groups, co-op friends, and your vet).
The USDA suggests that people who own animals give their keys and contact information to a neighbor. This neighbor should know about the evacuation plan and how to take care of their flock.
Get ready to move: have extra cardboard boxes, pet carriers, or plywood crates on hand. Putting towels or shavings inside each one will make it more stable and absorbent.
Also, make holes in the sides to let air flow. Writing your name and phone number on the carriers will help you if the birds get away. Keep birds calmer by moving at night; birds are naturally quieter at night.
Make a plan. Before you go, find a safe place for the birds. It could be a friend’s coop in the middle of nowhere, an animal shelter, or a barn for animals at a fair.
Talk to your neighbors or community groups right away to set up short-term housing in case of an emergency. There are shelters set aside for animals in some areas.
Plan your route and the vehicle you’ll use. Chickens don’t do well on long, winding roads, so look for the fastest way to get to safety.
- Keep ID on: If your chickens get away, you can find them if you leg-band or tag them. Putting on temporary tags or microchips is a good idea.
- Evacuation kit: Put together a portable livestock kit with food, water, medicine, and a vet record or proof of ownership. Include any medicines or supplements that your flock may need. Always check this kit.
- Who stays vs. goes: Choose ahead of time whether you will bring the birds with you or have someone watch over them. UF/IFAS says that small flocks from the backyard can be brought inside to a cage in the garage or barn. Larger flocks are usually better off staying in the coop.
Should the worst happen and you have to leave, try to bring the chickens with you. As was already said, line carriers or boxes with towels and pine shavings, and be careful when loading the birds.
When you stop, give them water. On a short trip, food isn’t as important, but staying hydrated is. Turn off the radio or make sure the sounds are soothing (no sudden ones), and drive slowly to reduce stress.
No one wants to move chickens when things are crazy, but having crates ready makes the job go faster.
Weathering the Storm
Keep the chickens in the coop or a shelter you’ve set up during storms. Once the birds are safe inside, you should focus on your own safety.
Don’t go check on the flock during the storm; wait until the wind dies down. Flying objects can kill. Stay put and keep listening for updates on the weather.
If the power goes out, use the light from the sun and the food and water you have saved. Use the things in your emergency kit.
Don’t open the coop, even if the roof looks fine. Sudden gusts of wind or water can hurt or bother the birds. If it thunders, play a low radio station inside. This may block out some noise and keep birds from freaking out (they know safety first, too).
After the Storm: Inspection and Care
Once the weather gets better and it’s safe to go outside again, start your recovery in a planned way. Check the chicken coop and run for harm.
Check for cracks, holes, or wires that are coming apart. Cover any holes with tarps or boards until the damage can be fixed for good.
Remove any storm debris in the run and coop. This includes broken tools, metal scraps, and fallen branches. This will prevent birds from getting hurt or sick. Be very careful to look for downed power lines or wires that are sticking out near the coop. Make sure those are safe first.
After that, look at each bird. There may have been injuries from objects, other chickens, or stress. Give people who have cuts or broken nails first aid.
Put any hurt hens in a quiet area away from the rest of the flock. Chickens will peck at chickens that are hurt, so it is important to keep them separate.
Check for shock and give extra warmth if needed. Add vitamins or electrolytes to the water for at least one or two days. Experts say that giving stressed birds a dose of poultry vitamins and electrolytes can help them get better faster.
Take out any bedding that is dirty or wet and put in new, dry bedding. When bedding gets wet, mold and bacteria grow, which can make it hard to breathe.
If the feed or grit got wet, throw it away. You should never give chickens moldy or wet food. Clean water can be used to wash food and water containers. If the coop floor is wet, clean it up and disinfect it when it’s dry.
Give the animal clean, dry food and water right away. (The chickens will probably be very thirsty and hungry after being locked up.) Keep a close eye on them for the next week.
Stress and exposure can weaken your immune system. Look out for signs of illness. These include feeling tired, losing your appetite, or having trouble breathing.
Lastly, make sure the perimeter is safe. Animals like opossums, raccoons, snakes, and birds may go to strange places to find food during storms. Make sure the fencing and nets are still in good shape.
Fix any holes that may have been pried open in the coop’s defenses against animals that might be hungry. After you’ve fixed everything and cleaned up, check the chickens’ health. Then you can let them back out of the coop to run free or go back to their run.
Quick Post-Storm Checklist (example):
- Look at each chicken for injuries. If you find any, treat them. Keep them away from the other birds.
- Wash and clean the feeders and waterers and replace the bedding. Make sure the food and water are dry.
- Inspect the roof or fence for damage, fill in holes, and tighten up any boards that are sticking out.
- Get rid of the broken glass, nails, wires, and other trash in the yard.
- Watch out for animals that got out, and check the fences and coop latches again.
- Pet food should be kept in containers with lids to keep mold and rodents out.
- Consider getting the flock checked out by a vet or dewormed if any of them get sick.
By taking a close look at the situation, you can make sure the chickens are safe again. A lot of people who keep chickens say that cleaning up well is just as important as getting ready for the storm. Taking it easy for a day is also crucial.
Special Note: Coastal Storm Surge and Tsunami Events
In coastal areas, “wind weather” can include life-threatening floods. Hurricane storm surges and even tsunamis can flood coops from below, which is a danger that goes beyond just anchoring.
NOAA says that a storm surge can raise water by 15 feet or more, which is too high for a ground-level coop to handle. Move people and animals to higher ground immediately. Do this if you live in an area that could be affected by a tsunami or storm surge.
A chicken can’t survive a tsunami wave, and neither can the coop’s design. The only safety measure is to leave early. If you see a tsunami warning, you should leave right away.
Get all of your birds (in carriers) and yourself far inland. In practice, this means either putting the whole coop on very tall stilts. This solution isn’t usually possible for backyard coops. Alternatively, let the birds out.
Even small floods, like those caused by rivers overflowing or flash floods, need to be planned for. If there are only moderate floods, putting the coop on cinder blocks or a platform will keep the birds dry.
Mesh floors that allow water to pass under perches can save lives when areas flood. To keep food and water from going bad, move them out of the coop if the water level rises.
Summary: Bird Welfare and Health
Lastly, don’t forget about the birds’ health. Chickens that are scared may lay fewer eggs or hurt each other, so it’s important to calm them down.
Routines they are used to, like their regular feeding schedule and favorite treats, help them feel better after the shock. Watch how the bird acts; aggressive pecking or being lazy can be signs of a problem.
In hot places, make sure the coop has airflow (after the storm) to keep the birds from getting too hot. When it’s cold, make sure the vents aren’t shut all the way and the birds have enough dry bedding.
You should use the first-aid supplies you set up. Chicken wound spray (like Vetericyn) is suggested. Antibiotic ointment is also recommended. Additionally, you should include disposable gloves. Use saline or water for washing eyes. Bandages are necessary. Epsom salt can help reduce swelling.
A small poultry health book or a vet’s advice line can help you figure out how to treat small wounds. Don’t forget to clean anything that comes in contact with dirty floodwater.
Getting more of the things you need is just as important. If your water or food has been cut off, you need to restock right away. For a couple of days, keep giving them clean, fresh water (maybe with electrolytes added) to help them get better.
Give your chickens extra layer feed or calcium after a storm. Their production often drops when they are stressed.
Most backyard flocks can survive even big storms with little damage. They need a strong, locked coop and emergency supplies. A clear plan and calm, caring care are also essential.
Take action before the weather changes. Act immediately after it passes. The chickens are less likely to suffer harm. As the saying goes, “Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.” If you live in an area that gets storms, this will keep your flock safe during the winds.
