Birds like to be inside?

[citychicks99]

I have a pullet and a cockerel and a few months ago, they were both a little sick. I had to keep them indoors for a few weeks and give them medication. Since then, whenever I let them out of the run and let them roam my backyard, they will just stand by the sliding door, wanting to come in. They never did that before. Today, they stood out there just waiting for over an hour. I have let them in before, and they'll peck around my dining room, kitchen, and living room, looking for crumbs. I didn't think it would be a problem, except that there isn't much in here for them and I would think that they would want to be outside more. I have to work so I can't let them in here for too long. The cockerel even crowed today to be let out of the run, and like I said earlier, all they did was stand by the door.

I've considered that they may bored in their run. It's enough space for the two of them but it's just dirt. I was given the suggestion to fill the area with dried leaves but since Fall is gone, leaves seem a little harder to come by. I put up a mirror and a beam for them and an old plant I had. I'm going to start growing lentil sprouts for them next week. Maybe even get one of those suet cakes??

Are they just bored in their run? Any other reason why they might want to come inside? Another hopeful thought I had is maybe they like my companionship but they seem afraid of me when I touch them lol

 

[nchls school]

In a lot of ways chickens are creatures of habit. They have learned where to go for a handout. If this isn't desirable stop letting them in for treats. Give them treats somewhere better for you and them. A few weeks and they won't be by the door for so long or at all. I have a few bantams/ducks/peafowl that come to the backdoor for treats. I encourage it for a few, but they don't come in. Treats are given at the door on the deck.

 

[Boise-girls]

What is their run like? If you don't already have it, I'd provide deep bedding for them to scratch around in, plus perches and clutter. If the run is covered, you can use shavings, chopped straw, leaves, compost, hemp, wood chips, etc. If it's not covered, wood chips are usually considered best for dealing with rain and snow. Tossing in some scratch or a little fresh bedding occasionally will help keep them entertained.

 

[citychicks99]

What is their run like? If you don't already have it, I'd provide deep bedding for them to scratch around in, plus perches and clutter. If the run is covered, you can use shavings, chopped straw, leaves, compost, hemp, wood chips, etc. If it's not covered, wood chips are usually considered best for dealing with rain and snow. Tossing in some scratch or a little fresh bedding occasionally will help keep them entertained.

Good ideas! Their run is partially covered. I could maybe use wood chips on the uncovered part and leave the rest so they can have their dust baths.