Prior to beginning our homesteading journey I was never very invested in weather awareness. As a teacher I worked indoors and other than the trip to and from my car, nature was not part of my job or my daily life. Now as a new homesteader trying to effectively garden and raise chickens, the weather is a huge part of my life. You can do a lot to keep your flock safe by being aware of changes in weather patterns in your area.

1) Set up weather alerts on your phone. It is great to know when there will be temperature extremes or dangerous storms in your area so you can do your best to protect your chickens and anticipate the needs of your flock.

2) Be aware of seasonal patterns where you live. Maybe you are new to your area or not familiar with the seasonal changes because like me, it wasn’t part of your day-to-day until recently. Be aware of what typical seasons are like in your area and prepare for those sorts of conditions when it comes to providing proper shelter for your chickens.

3) Look ahead at upcoming forecasts. Like so many other things with chickens a small bit of planning can make a huge difference for your flock. Be aware of weekly and 10 day weather forecasts so you can be on the lookout for conditions that may impact your chickens. Many areas of the country are experiencing a heat wave. Be aware of the signs of overheating in your chickens. I have two previous posts and a video on our YouTube channel about how to keep your chickens comfortable and cool. Stay safe everyone!