ALABAMA!!

[Jeanna Marie]

I have 4 production reds, 14 weeks. They have been outside only for a little over a month. The past couple of days I've noticed they are spending more time in their coop. Is this normal? There is nothing in there for them, all their food and water is outside. They seem healthy and happy. Are they possibly bored or lazy? The only thing I can think of is its cooler in their, but this morning when I let them out, they ate a little and within an hour are back in the coop.

Maybe they are looking for shade? Mine will go under the coop when the sun gets around to the run.

 

[ohb]

I have 4 production reds, 14 weeks. They have been outside only for a little over a month. The past couple of days I've noticed they are spending more time in their coop. Is this normal? There is nothing in there for them, all their food and water is outside. They seem healthy and happy. Are they possibly bored or lazy? The only thing I can think of is its cooler in their, but this morning when I let them out, they ate a little and within an hour are back in the coop.

Were they confined in the coop as chicks? If so, the coop may be 'home' to them--their safe place. As long as they seem happy and at peace then I'd let them come and go as they please.

 

[Hilda the Hen]

Thanks for the in put. Their area is shaded, and they can under the coop as well. They were in a brooder longer than they should have been, had to wait for the hubby to get back to build the coop

Guess I just have some silly lazy chicken. Haha.

 

[Wisher1000]

I have 4 production reds, 14 weeks. They have been outside only for a little over a month. The past couple of days I've noticed they are spending more time in their coop. Is this normal? There is nothing in there for them, all their food and water is outside. They seem healthy and happy. Are they possibly bored or lazy? The only thing I can think of is its cooler in their, but this morning when I let them out, they ate a little and within an hour are back in the coop.

Have you seen any hawks? They may be hiding from some real or imagined predator.

 

[Hilda the Hen]

[COLOR=800000]Have you seen any hawks?  They may be hiding from some real or imagined predator.[/COLOR]

Yes! We have 2 that they've been around since last year. In fact the the big one we named it Foghorn last year.
They are fully in closed in their pen, and foghorn can't get to them. I'm sure they don't know that. Should I just close up the coop and make them stay outside? Or would that stress them out? Thanks, I didn't even think of the hawk. Will hawks eat grown chickens?

 

[chirpingcricket]

Good deal. My roosters are only about 3 weeks old so I have a ways to go, yet. I sure do miss the sound of a crowing rooster, though. A lot of folks don't like it but out in the country I find it to be an almost peaceful sound to have around. Now when 2 or 3 roosters get to going at it I may change my mind.

heehee, what he said!

 

[chirpingcricket]

Yes! We have 2 that they've been around since last year. In fact the the big one we named it Foghorn last year.
They are fully in closed in their pen, and foghorn can't get to them. I'm sure they don't know that. Should I just close up the coop and make them stay outside? Or would that stress them out? Thanks, I didn't even think of the hawk. Will hawks eat grown chickens?

Yes, catch them and tear to pieces right in front of you, if they can't lift them off the ground. There is a site on here, Foghorn, Leghorn something another, good place to read up on them. Also, don't forget about those blasted coons, too.

 

[Razadia]

Quote: No, I have aggrivating breeds!

I wondered why Speck wasn't laying eggs yet, but Tally is and she's only a few months older.

One of my nine week old BO roos tried three times to crow this morning. It was an aweful screechy horrible sound. So proud!

I love hearing that. I wonder when my HRIR roo is going to start.

Quote: Yep, I found the link for it too. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...say-son-did-ya-see-that-hawk-after-those-hens

 

[chirpingcricket]

No, I have aggrivating breeds!

I wondered why Speck wasn't laying eggs yet, but Tally is and she's only a few months older.

I love hearing that. I wonder when my HRIR roo is going to start.
Yep, I found the link for it too. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...say-son-did-ya-see-that-hawk-after-those-hens

I read/catch up on it often! Good luck!

 

[Hilda the Hen]

Thanks Raz!! Very informative. My daughter and I now have some "crafts" to make