Chickens scared to leave coop--food and water are out in the run.

[peachRN]

FINALLY finished fixing up the coop and run (holy lord, it took forever--busy schedules) and got the chickens OUT of my house. I put them in the coop first, leaving the chicken door open to the run--but a few hours later, none of them have been out yet. Their food and water are outside in the run. I didn't want to put it in the coop because of the mess.

How long should I wait before I should be concerned? It's hot, they should be drinking. I know that every new change terrifies them, but I'm hoping they'll acclimate soon.

 

[WingItRanch]

This is pretty normal. The big bad world is scary at first. Is there a way you can gently shoo them out of the coop into the run so they explore and find the food and water?

 

[thecatumbrella]

Mine are huge babies and need a lot of assistance with new things. I would help yours out by either starting with food/water in the coop (temporarily) and just dealing with the mess, or I'd carry them out into the run and hang out. Maybe with a few healthy treats. Even the chicks that aren't nuts about me are more comfortable when I'm around. It feels like they'll never adapt, but they do!

 

[peachRN]

This is pretty normal. The big bad world is scary at first. Is there a way you can gently shoo them out of the coop into the run so they explore and find the food and water?

I did take a few hens out and set them near the food and water, then showed them how to use the ramp to get back in.

Maybe I'll try to get a few more out there with some treats.

 

[WingItRanch]

I did take a few hens out and set them near the food and water, then showed them how to use the ramp to get back in.

Maybe I'll try to get a few more out there with some treats.

They will feel much more comfortable when they're all out there together.