Chickens are staying out of coop and getting killed

[rosemarythyme]

We got them as chicks and now they are laying so their not really new. I can't lock them in because all the other chickens need to go in the coop to lay eggs, rost and eat food.

Are they properly integrated with the other birds (do they get along out in the run, any competition for food or other resources, any bullying)? I would think they would've just followed the older birds as they grew up.

Is there anyone you know who is comfortable enough around chickens to put them in the coop at night for you while you're gone? Don't know how soon your trip is but that's the "easiest" solution for now, as it doesn't rely on training the birds...

 

[21hens-incharge]

Are they properly integrated with the other birds (do they get along out in the run, any competition for food or other resources, any bullying)? I would think they would've just followed the older birds as they grew up.

Is there anyone you know who is comfortable enough around chickens to put them in the coop at night for you while you're gone? Don't know how soon your trip is but that's the "easiest" solution for now, as it doesn't rely on training the birds...

I agree! If there isn't an automatic door the coop would be at risk at night if someone doesn't come to close it. Might as well stick a few birds in at the same time.

 

[bobbi-j]

Pictures of your setup would be very helpful. How big is the coop in feet x feet? How much roost space? You currently have two ducks and 9 other chickens in there? How old are the ones that are roosting outside? How old are the others?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

The title of this thread "Chickens are staying out of coop and getting killed" has me wondering how many have been killed?

 

[GrannyHeeney]

Here's a pic I swiped online of various eggs. Our grocery store carries eggs laid by Marans and they are always a wonderful, dark chocolate brown (mine ain't laying right now, FREELOADERS). Also, they are y-ooooge!

 

[21hens-incharge]

The title of this thread "Chickens are staying out of coop and getting killed" has me wondering how many have been killed?

Wondered the same thing.