Storm’s Coming: Launching Operation Storm Shield for Your Flock

We’ve had a lot of storms in Virginia this Summer. One minute it’s sunny-side up, the next, you're staring down a wall of gray clouds and thunderclaps. Summer storms don’t knock—they crash the coop like a surprise guest. And while we might love the drama of a good thunderstorm, your chickens? Not so much.

When the skies flip the switch, it’s time to rally the troops and brace the coop. Let’s talk Operation Storm Shield.

Why Thunderstorms Ruffle Feathers

Your chickens are stressed by storms —they’re dealing with wind gusts, sudden drops in pressure, and sheets of rain. It’s a sensory overload. Stress levels spike, and that can mean a dip in egg production.

Prepare to Receive Incoming: Your Backyard Bunker Strategy

Just like we stock candles and flashlights before a storm, your coop needs its own emergency kit. Let’s stormproof the flock, brigade-style:

Secure the Coop – Double-check doors, windows, and roof seams. Wind and rain can exploit the smallest cracks. Reinforce with weather stripping, latches, or even use old blankets to dampen sound.

Storm-Safe Shelter – Your coop should be the go-to sanctuary. Make sure it’s dry, well-ventilated, and dimly lit to help calm their nerves. If your birds free-range, get them inside early if a storm is forecasted.

Comfort Food – Soldier Fly Style – Stress-reducing snacks like chilled cucumber slices, a mash of grains and Black Soldier Fly larvae, or warm oats can keep their focus on food instead of fear. Feeding during a storm? Instant distraction.

Cleanup Afterward – If kept in an enclosure, you will likely have a muddy mess after the storm passes. While the troops will trudge onward for a short while, this is an unhealthy environment ready to produce disease and unhealthy hens. Lay down some fresh shavings after the storm passes to give them a dry environment to march through.

What Happened to My Eggs?

Storm stress can send your layers into egg limbo. Lightning doesn’t just light up the sky—it can throw off your hens' rhythm. If they skip a day (or a few), don’t sweat it. Keep conditions stable, their diet consistent, and soldier on.

Final Orders: Ready the Coop, Calm the Chaos

Storms happen. The goal is to normalize the abnormal for your birds.

Quick hit list:

• Secure all coop entry points
• Keep it calm, dark, and quiet
• Provide healthy, easy-to-eat snacks
• Know that egg drop happens—and it’s OK
• Let Egg Brigade’s BSFL help support stress recovery and nutritional balance

So when the next thunder booms through your yard, your chickens won’t be flapping blind. They’ll be ready. And so will you.

You’ve got this, chicken crew. Rain or shine.

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