Chickens appear afraid of new bedding

[rcravey]

Could be the smell, that is what I might assume. Have you changed anything else in the coop recently?

No, nothing at all.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Pine shavings. Yes, the same brand. It smells stronger because it is newer. I guess they don't recognize the smell from the last time it was changed?

Possibly... and if the scent is strong enough it can be an irritant to them, so they may be staying outside to let it "air out."

 

[sourland]

Chickens (really all birds) hate change and take time to adjust to it.

 

[3KillerBs]

I just went to check that they all went inside for the night and eight of them (including my rooster) were outside. The other chicks were inside but up on a ledge. None were on the bedding.

Does your coop have a roost and do the chickens normally use it?

Once they're beyond the little chick stage they aren't really supposed to be sleeping down in the bedding. You want them to be up on the roost so that they aren't laying in their poop all night.

 

[Dottie the Chicken]

Don't be worried about it. Just make sure everyone gets in. Let them realize it's not going to hurt them.

 

[rcravey]

You could try cleaning and putting new bedding into the coop in the mornings. That way they have all day to get use to it.
Not sure if this would help, I just put the bedding in a pile and let them scratch it around for me. This way I'm not throwing and moving the bedding.

Thank you. Will definitely do that next time.

 

[rcravey]

Have had this happen a couple times, once was severe....and rather hilarious.
I think it's the way they look.
What I do now is save out some of the old shavings to spread over the new ones, worked a charm.

Good idea, thank you!