Chicken in the coop all day long

[annasophiabee]

Hey guys, I really don't know whats going on but my chickens used to be happy to be outside all day and then around sun down they'd go to the coop. Now I let them out in the morning, they hardly eat, and then they go to the coop as soon as 20 minutes later. I dont know why they insist on being there instead of being outside in the fresh air? Is this normal?

 

[TwoChicksChix]

Is it hot where you are? Is there a possible predator problem that scared them?

 

[SueT]

I'm guessing something is scaring them. You may not see a predator but it doesn't mean one isn't lurking.

 

[annasophiabee]

That's concerning. I have one of those Premier electric fences. A hawk has flown by but the duck alerts the flock and the run into the coop. I'm planning on building an enclosed run in the near future but I feel so bad that they are scared to go out now. The rooster hardly sings anymore.

 

[aart]

Hey guys, I really don't know whats going on but my chickens used to be happy to be outside all day and then around sun down they'd go to the coop. Now I let them out in the morning, they hardly eat, and then they go to the coop as soon as 20 minutes later. I dont know why they insist on being there instead of being outside in the fresh air? Is this normal?

How long has this been going on?
Could very well be a predator lurking.
Is their feed and water outside the coop?
How old are your birds...and how long have you had them?

 

[TwoShepherds]

I almost posted a similar question. I just finished the run off our coop about a week ago, and the girls were mostly staying inside the coop. They are just now starting to venture out for longer and longer periods of time, so I am guessing that they were just scared and had to get used to being outside. Anything different in the environment?---a new dog or pet hanging around the yard? Has the weather been any different? Are they in a run or free ranging? Do they have things to hide under when they're outside?

 

[DellaMyDarling]

I vote predator or harder to detect illness (like mites.)

 

[annasophiabee]

Is it hot where you are? Is there a possible predator problem that scared them?

Im in NH so it doesnt really get too hot here.

 

[annasophiabee]

I almost posted a similar question. I just finished the run off our coop about a week ago, and the girls were mostly staying inside the coop. They are just now starting to venture out for longer and longer periods of time, so I am guessing that they were just scared and had to get used to being outside. Anything different in the environment?---a new dog or pet hanging around the yard? Has the weather been any different? Are they in a run or free ranging? Do they have things to hide under when they're outside?

 

[annasophiabee]

Honestly I did clean out some heavy overgrowth and bines behind the coop. Maybe that's what's been spooking them out...?