I have heard many reasons why lightning likes hitting pines so much, from them being so tall, to the iron deposits that they seem to flourish on top of, to the needles creating a static charge because of the resins... I have no idea why, but lightning does love them.
If it is looking like lightning, just stay in. Your chickens will be fine, but you might get hit carrying the ladders away.
I never thought of those reasons, that's so interesting.
And that's true. Thanks. It's still sunny and HOT right now but may start soon. We're going to run errands hah