My girls only come out the coop/roost when I'm in the yard talking to them. Why?

[BethChick78]

I picked up 10 pullets 2 days ago and so far so good. I'm on a steep learning curve but THANK GOODNESS for this awesome site! I couldn't have done it without you. Anyhow, so far so good but I have noticed that the girls will only come out the coop/roost area and down the ladder into the run when I am in the yard talking to them. Is this normal? Is it just because they feel safe in there, will they come out on their own in time?

Thanks in advance for your welcome advice and comments

 

[mcjessen]

I would imagine it's because they are still getting used to their new surroundings. Give it time and they'll feel more comfortable. It's nice that they come out when you are around. That's a good sign they are comfortable around humans.

 

[BethChick78]

Awesome, thanks for the speedy response.

 

[chicmom]

Hello!

That is normal behavior for chickens. They just need some time to become accustomed to their new home. Give them a little more time, say about a week, and they'll come out on their own into the run without being called out.

 

[BethChick78]

Hey thanks ChicMom. Would you say that this 'week ish' long bedding in period is about right for them starting to lay too? I did get POL chickens although I appreciate that they aren't going to start right away?

 

[Den in Penn]

Normally it takes a rehomed hen two to four weeks to settle in to lay in the new place. POL hens may take that long or longer to lay depending on their age and breed.