Chickens scared to leave the coup!!!

[Kathryn4629]

I have had these 9 month old chickens about a week and a half now and they are scared to leave the coup!! They will come out for about 2 min on there own, and then run back inside. What gives? They seem to be eating and drinking fine.

Also I have still not got any eggs, I know they were laying before I brought them home. When should I expect some eggs, also is there anything that I can do to make them lay sooner? Sorry for all the questions, I am such a newbie!

 

[CoopCrazy]

Can take a few weeks to get eggs .. My girls gave me an egg each the first day i got them then it took three weeks to get some more.. Bribery works great with chickens ... Toss some yummy veggies or worms outside there door and they should start to venture more.. Also are they free range or do you have a run for them ? If they are to freerange you should lock them in the coop for atleast 2 weeks so they know it is home...

 

[pacetruckguy]

Is outside an enclosed run? If so try moving their food and water outside, otherwise they don't have a reason to go outside. As far as laying, try putting some golf balls or fake eggs in their nest boxes, maybe that will give them some insentive.

 

[Backyard Hencam]

They are obviously going through an adjustment period because of their relocation. Food and water are a great motivator. Sprinkle a handful of chicken scratch outside a couple of times a day to lure them out. If worse comes to worse, move food and water outside during the day (that does it for our hens that don't go inside except to lay and egg). Don't worry, they'll figure it out. It's much more fun to be outside running around!

 

[Kathryn4629]

Quote:
Well, I have tried some veggies and even some fruit. The run is temporaliy enclosed for now, but they will be free range when they get used to there new home/ actually come outside. Its even sunny today, lol, silly chickens!

 

[Mare]

I just got my hens also and they won't come out of the coop either. I tempted them by putting cauliflower outside and putting their food & water outside. That did the trick. They really loved the cauliflower. Mine are still too young to start laying, but I can't wait til they do.