Am I being too impatient?

mgates67

In the Brooder
Oct 23, 2017
11
20
39
Western NY
I'm sure the answer is yes, but I can't help it! My wife is allergic to antibiotics. Since store bought chickens and eggs are laced with them, we decided to get our own chickens for the eggs. We got a dozen in mid-March, setup a brooder in the basement and began the process of raising them. They've been the source of a lot of fun and entertainment.

Due to some surprise work travel, I was behind on getting the coop/run built. Finally got the coop done and moved them out into it this past Sunday. I'd heard that they should spend 3-5 days locked in there so they would imprint that this was "home." That gave me some time to finish the run, which I did on Friday. I opened the door so they could get out, and.... Nothing. We tried to shoo them out, but they would have no part of that. Okay, they've been confined to a smaller space for the last couple of months and the great outdoors is a scary place. I get that.

Yesterday morning we got them all outside, mostly against their will, and closed the door to the coop. This was in the hopes of letting them figure out that the outdoors is nothing to be afraid of. By the end of the day they were running around and enjoying being outside. So much so ,that they wouldn't go back into the coop last night. Again we had to force their hand.

This morning, I opened the coop door and once again they won't come out. They keep poking their heads out, a couple even came about half way down the ramp, but they always turn around and head back inside.

I'm guessing that this is just a learning process for them, but I'm trying to figure things out. Is this just going to take some time? Either way, what are your recommendations for making them feel comfortable and getting into the routine? Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.
 
You already knew the answer. Open the coop door in the morning and they will eventually get brave enough to explore the run on their own. It may even take a few hours but just be patient.
As for getting them back in at night, well that’s a different story. You may have to force them back in several days in a row (or longer) until they get the hang of it. Some people entice them back in to the coop at night with treats, then close the door behind them.
 
I'm sure the answer is yes, but I can't help it! My wife is allergic to antibiotics. Since store bought chickens and eggs are laced with them, we decided to get our own chickens for the eggs. We got a dozen in mid-March, setup a brooder in the basement and began the process of raising them. They've been the source of a lot of fun and entertainment.

Due to some surprise work travel, I was behind on getting the coop/run built. Finally got the coop done and moved them out into it this past Sunday. I'd heard that they should spend 3-5 days locked in there so they would imprint that this was "home." That gave me some time to finish the run, which I did on Friday. I opened the door so they could get out, and.... Nothing. We tried to shoo them out, but they would have no part of that. Okay, they've been confined to a smaller space for the last couple of months and the great outdoors is a scary place. I get that.

Yesterday morning we got them all outside, mostly against their will, and closed the door to the coop. This was in the hopes of letting them figure out that the outdoors is nothing to be afraid of. By the end of the day they were running around and enjoying being outside. So much so ,that they wouldn't go back into the coop last night. Again we had to force their hand.

This morning, I opened the coop door and once again they won't come out. They keep poking their heads out, a couple even came about half way down the ramp, but they always turn around and head back inside.

I'm guessing that this is just a learning process for them, but I'm trying to figure things out. Is this just going to take some time? Either way, what are your recommendations for making them feel comfortable and getting into the routine? Thanks in advance and sorry for the long post.
It's just a new experience for them. At the first few weeks of life they are quite confused. I'd play with them for a few hours to get them more comfortable.
 
So, in the time it took me to write the original post about half of them had found their way outside. Every once in a while another will come out, but then one goes back inside. Right now I'm taking the "when they get hungry, they'll come out" approach since their food is outside. Thanks for the comments.
 
As for getting them back in at night, well that’s a different story. You may have to force them back in several days in a row (or longer) until they get the hang of it. Some people entice them back in to the coop at night with treats, then close the door behind them.

That's my worry. My wife heads out of town on Tuesday for a week. It will be interesting trying to get some in, while keeping those in that I managed to get in earlier. Well, at least my neighbors will be entertained for a while. :)
 
That's my worry. My wife heads out of town on Tuesday for a week. It will be interesting trying to get some in, while keeping those in that I managed to get in earlier. Well, at least my neighbors will be entertained for a while. :)
Ah, yes try not to keep them out too late so you can get rest as well! If you keep putting them to bed at a certain time for a couple of weeks, they will get used to going back in at that time,and as they get older, you can let them out a bit later every time.
 
Ah, yes try not to keep them out too late so you can get rest as well! If you keep putting them to bed at a certain time for a couple of weeks, they will get used to going back in at that time,and as they get older, you can let them out a bit later every time.
Just noticed how many times I said "time"
 

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