So, I have 13 7-1/2 week old chickens that have been outside for about a two weeks. There are no adult chickens around. I kept them in the coop for two days so they understood where home was, and then I let them out into a temporary run. They will be free-ranged at 3 to 4 months depending on how big they are. The chickens all learned how to go into the coop to eat and drink on the first day, and by day 5 they all learned to go into the coop at night - I had to do a bit of hand carrying the first four nights - first all 13, then 6 for two nights, then three, then they all went in.
Everything was fine until three nights ago when one chicken stopped going into the coop. I mean he (I think he is going to be a roo, and one that I am going to keep as he is a Maran) NEVER goes into the coop, even for food and water. He stays out all day and will not go in at night. I have to carry him in at night, but he basically comes over to me for the free ride in so it is easy. When I put him in the coop, he is fine and likes it, and goes and participates in the nighttime chicken pile in the corner of the coop after he grabs some food and takes a drink.
He is very friendly and cooperative with the other chickens (and me) and seems very well adjusted to the coop (when I put him in it) and run, he just will not go in the coop anymore. The other chickens go in and out all day long with out issue. Also, the coop is not at all crowded so crowding is not an issue.
I have no idea why he does not go in, and no idea how to get him to go into the coop to eat, drink, and sleep without me putting him there. I am actually moving the water outside just for him.....
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
Everything was fine until three nights ago when one chicken stopped going into the coop. I mean he (I think he is going to be a roo, and one that I am going to keep as he is a Maran) NEVER goes into the coop, even for food and water. He stays out all day and will not go in at night. I have to carry him in at night, but he basically comes over to me for the free ride in so it is easy. When I put him in the coop, he is fine and likes it, and goes and participates in the nighttime chicken pile in the corner of the coop after he grabs some food and takes a drink.
He is very friendly and cooperative with the other chickens (and me) and seems very well adjusted to the coop (when I put him in it) and run, he just will not go in the coop anymore. The other chickens go in and out all day long with out issue. Also, the coop is not at all crowded so crowding is not an issue.
I have no idea why he does not go in, and no idea how to get him to go into the coop to eat, drink, and sleep without me putting him there. I am actually moving the water outside just for him.....
Anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks