Are my Chickens afraid of the Sun?!

[panyo85]

Should I be worried? I am new to the chicken world and have had my red production pullets for only a few days now. They are about 12 weeks old. I bought them from my local feed store. The area they were contained in at the feed store was a shaded area. Since I have brought them home, I am noticing that my chickens will not venture into the sun...They will literally stand in the same location all day until more shade is created as the day progresses. This worries me for their future egg laying capacity, as sun is a requirement (so I have read). Should I be worried? Is this a normal chicken behavior? any advice/reassurance will be much appreciated.

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I don't know where you're at, but if it's hot they'll stay in the shade to keep cool. It might just take them awhile to adjust too. Eventually they'll figure it out.

~Ms.B

 

[panyo85]

Temps are in the lower 70s. Its really pretty outside..

 

[MsBagawkbagawk]

I'd just give them a little time. You could try throwing a handful or feed out in the sunlight and see if you can get them to go out. It seems like usually (my chickens at least) bask in the sun early in the morning, then at noon they spread out to run around, then about 2 hours before dark they go sit in the shade and preen. That could just be more about the way the sun is in relation to the house too.....

Chickens also seem to feel really exposed out in the sunlight, because usually that means they don't have protection from predators. Your chickens might just be stressed in their new home, so they're trying to stay safe by hanging out in the shade...

 

[panyo85]

Thank you so much for sharing your chicken insight with me. I am sure this is just their way of getting use to their new home, and my worrying about it is not going to make this adjustment any faster..I will go with your advice and try throwing some feed out in the sun tomorrow and see if they wander out. Thanks again!!