Chickens Not Coming Out of Coop

[RaeCC]

Hello!
I recently brought home 6 white leghorns that are about 18-20 weeks old. We have a coop built that has an attached run. We kept the chickens locked in the coop with food and water for the first 2 days, then moved the food and water out into the run and have the coop door open from 6:30am until about 7:30pm (when all the chickens put themselves to bed.) I have noticed that the chickens spend much of their time in the coop and not in the run. They come out in chunks of time to eat and peck around but always end up back in the coop. Is this normal behavior? I would prefer them to be in the run for most of the day because they are making a huge mess being in the coop all day, but I don't want to lock them out of the coop because that is where their nesting boxes are (not laying yet, but hopefully will be soon.) I live in central CT for reference and the temps during the day have been ranging between 40-70 degrees F. Love that New England weather
I do plan on letting them free range while I am outside with them, but they need to stay in the coop/run for a few more weeks. Thanks in advance!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Since they're new to your home, they're probably a bit nervous about coming out. The coop has been safe so far, so that's where they want to be.

Since they're not laying yet I suppose it wouldn't hurt if you shut the coop down for an hour here or there, to encourage them to stay outside, but otherwise it sounds like time and patience are what they'll need to settle in to their new digs.

 

[RaeCC]

Ok, time and patients is what they will get Thank you!

 

[aart]

How long have you had them?
What does your coop and run look like....pics can be very helpful!

Oh, and..... Welcome to BYC! @RaeCC
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