Chickens don't like to free range

[sydneyroo]

I just recently bought four hens, they're all about to come of age and start laying. My problem is this: I've had them for three weeks now, the first week I kept them cooped up so they could get used to where their roost is, then I started opening the door to the coop so they could go outside. Well I had to really convince them to come out, and finally picked each one up and set her out the door. Not surprising I guess, because it was a new environment for them.

Well now they have figured out how to go through the door themselves when I come in and say "shoo" and flap my arms, but as soon as I go away they're scrambling to get back in the coop! The coop is actually quite large, about 100 sf with a separate roosting and nesting area so they aren't at all crowded in there, but the coop is situated in the shade of some large trees and I worry they aren't getting enough good old fashioned sunshine. Also my plan was to have FREE RANGE hens and I'd prefer their poops to be scattered around so I have less to muck. I have 7 acres with lots of grass and trees and thought they would love being out in it, but no they'd rather come back in to their dark coop and eat their laying crumbles.

I guess my question is should I just give them more time to feel comfortable outside? Should I close the coop and put their water out (but leave the crumbles inside) so they're forced to scratch around and find bugs and worms, and eat grass, etc? Is that cruel, or is it just tough love? I'm not sure how to proceed. This is the first time I have had chickens at this house and the first time I've bought them full grown rather than raising them from chicks. They seem a lot dumber and timid than I remember before. Any suggestions?

 

[gritsar]

If they were adults or nearly adults when you got them it could take them a good long while to get used to free ranging. You have two choices that I can see. Allow them to take their time or practice the tough love by putting them out and closing up the coop so they can't back inside for awhile. I vote for option #1, because option #2 gets too complicated when they are laying eggs.

 

[Judy]

They might be staying in for the shade; mine do this a lot, on sunny days. They also have a large coop, and it's cooler in there. They do get out on cloudy days, and early AM, and late PM.

Just give them some time. Of course, some treats, even a handful of scratch, tossed on the ground might help. Chickens are chicken, and don't like change, but they will adjust in time.

 

[CheerfulHeart2]

I used to wonder if my chickens would ever stray far from their home base. They seemed to always be very close to their coup and run, which are small. Now days they are all over the yard. Give them time, as in months, I expect they will explore more as they get more comfy. Be patient. Also, mine seem to like the shade, even in the winter.

 

[sydneyroo]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I guess I should remember how it always takes a few weeks or more to get adjusted after a move. They're likely feeling the same way. gritsar you make a good point about the egg laying. I don't want to lock them out if they should be learning to use their nest box for laying and I'm probably stressing them out and will delay when they start laying

I'll have to be more patient and understanding with my girls.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

When I 1st did the free ranging, 1/2 of my flock would come out and go right back into the coop and not leave again. They now love to free range and occasionally go back into the coop for shade in the summer heat or if something scares them but just give them time, they will eventually strike out on their own to explore!!

 

[Lu King]

About half of my hens like to free range, and the other half like to stay in or near the coop. My only problem with free range is that they lay their eggs anywhere and everywhere. I am reasonably new to raising chickens and thought they would laid their eggs only in the coop. While my husband was mowing the yard today, he found about thirty eggs in tall grass next to the fence line. I have no idea how long they have been there, so I'm scared to use them.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
If they were my hens they would go on lockdown in the coop and not be allowed out for a few days to retrain them to using the nestboxes.

 

[cmom]

I agree with gritsar. I would shut them in the coop for a few days. I also have some golf balls in my nest boxes.