Fowl Weather Coop Storm Prep

Fowl Weather Coop Storm Prep

“ Being without power that long was difficult, but we got through it prepared,” Jordan said.

Jordan’ s experience taught her that planning for every possibility is crucial.“ Expect the unexpected, and your flock will fare far better when disaster strikes,”

Hurricane Prep Tips for Your Flock Jordan’ s mindset is rooted in calm, clear preparation. By considering the needs of both her family and her flock ahead of time, she’ s able to reassure her birds and manage the stress for everyone involved, even during the most chaotic moments.

Download apps such as Watch Duty, Disaster Alert and the FEMA app so you know when to leave.

By Christy Caplan

From battling scorching temperatures to surviving a Category 5 hurricane, Jordan has become a trusted resource for backyard flock owners. With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicting a 60 % chance of an above-average hurricane season through November, her advice has never been more relevant.

Jordan – a mother of three, a hospital professional by day and scout troop leader by night – has dedicated years to mastering the art of hurricane preparation for her flock. Her story and tips demonstrate resilience but also provide a blueprint for fellow chicken keepers to prepare for and recover from severe weather events.

The Journey Through Hurricane Milton

When Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm, barreled through Lithia, Florida, Jordan’ s homestead stood just 13 miles from the Gulf Coast, directly in the storm’ s path.

The eye passed overhead in October 2024, bringing wind gusts of up to 120 mph.“ Our coop had no damage, but we were without power for eight days after,” Jordan said. With nine acres of ancient oaks, tree damage is always a concern, and this storm was no exception.

“ Hurricanes are unpredictable and can shift at the last minute. If you are anywhere in the path, you should be prepared,” Jordan added.

Potential structural damage to the coop and run, long power outages, flooding and limited access to clean water, repair supplies, chicken feed and other

Jordan’ s Florida-tested strategies offer practical guidance for backyard chicken keepers to protect their flock during hurricane season.

• Build a community network of other chicken keepers in the area and neighborhood.

One of the most effective ways to prepare for hurricanes is by building a strong community network with other flock owners in your area. Having a support system can make a significant difference when it comes to sharing resources, advice and real-time updates during extreme weather events.

Start by connecting with fellow poultry caretakers in your neighborhood or local area. Social media groups, local farm supply stores and community events are great places to meet like-minded individuals.

Once you’ ve established a network, consider creating a group text chain or using a messaging app like WhatsApp to stay in touch. This allows you to share real-time updates about weather conditions, power outages and any immediate needs or concerns.

• Stay calm. Hurricanes are as mentally taxing as they are physically punishing. According to Jordan, staying calm and organized is critical, not only for yourself but for your chickens, who react to your energy. Make an emergency prep checklist well in advance so you’ re not scrambling as the storm approaches.

To keep her chickens calm during the storm, Jordan temporarily moved them into a large dog pen

Get your flock ready for a hurricane.

in her garage, providing a cool, dark and secure environment that offered a layer of protection she couldn’ t guarantee in the coop. She recommends having a safe backup location indoors if possible, whether it’ s dog crates, pens, tents or any large, sturdy container that will keep the flock contained temporarily.

• Seek out your coop’ s weak spots.

Strong winds pose the biggest threat to chickens and their coops during hurricanes. Jordan recommends anchoring coops securely to the ground using earth augers or sandbags. Reinforce weak points, such as doors and windows, with weatherresistant materials like plywood or metal braces to minimize structural damage. Emergency water and feed storage Disruptions to power and water supply are common during hurricanes. Jordan’ s solution is to store at least a week’ s worth of water and feed in sealed, waterproof containers. Placing these supplies in an elevated, dry area ensures your flock is cared for even if access to stores is limited during the storm. Create a safe shelter space When the winds pick up, some chickens may panic and struggle to find refuge. Jordan advises keeping a

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