Chicken Hermits?

[CricketP]

We got 2 chickens last week (there is only us 2 so that's all we need)

They will NOT come out of the house! I have read it is normal but a whole week?

I shooed them out a few times and then they just sat under their house. They were kept in a house with no run (it was in a paved lot) and we were glad to "rescue" them.
Should I just leave them be and hope someday they will come out?

Maybe they aren't used to being outside? We have bought chickens from the same place before and hadn't had this problem

One is a RIR and the other is a Leghorn (we never had that kind before)

Thanks for any suggestions

 

[sassysarah]

You should definitely keep their chicken good outside! Do not bring them anything in the coop, until they are used to being outsdide! So if you put some meal works out there and other treats, maybe they will get used to being there.

 

[theoldchick]

You might trying to encourage them to exit from under the house by tossing a favorite treat on the ground where they can see it. Chickens who have had no exposure to outside will definitely have issues with being outside. Remember, chickens are flock oriented and are braver when a large number of birds are around. Your two chickens need a leader-maybe you-or another chicken who is used to being outside.

 

[CricketP]

Thank you both, I did put the food outside and the RIR poked around for a few but the other just won't come out, she is a leghorn if that matters.

 

[theoldchick]

Yes, some Leghorns can be a bit anxious and rather flighty.