Chickens staying in the coop suddenly

[triciayoung]

First, do not lock them out of the coop. You don't want scared, anxious chickens, and it is not healthy for them. They need to be able to go where they feel safe. I think it is fine, however, if you want them to come out more often, bring more activity type things into the run. Also, if your run is not covered, cover most of it so that they know they are protected. This is also good biosecurity.

 

[MrsBillius]

First, do not lock them out of the coop. You don't want scared, anxious chickens, and it is not healthy for them. They need to be able to go where they feel safe. I think it is fine, however, if you want them to come out more often, bring more activity type things into the run. Also, if your run is not covered, cover most of it so that they know they are protected. This is also good biosecurity.

It is covered and I thought it was clear I wasn’t going to lock them out because I disagreed with that. Sorry if I wasn’t clear.

 

[thecatumbrella]

They do come out if I step into the run. They seem very on alert and run back to the coop door frequently, but they also jump up in me for a bit. It’s new.. they were more relaxed for the past several weeks.

I think younger chicks and pullets have this fearlessness to them that wears off over time. I'd keep going out and encouraging them to explore the run and deal with stressful noises or sights. You're somewhat of a flock leader at this point. Maybe hang an apple or a cabbage to encourage them to hang out longer.

 

[SkyAJK]

They do have deep bedding so maybe that’s the draw? They hang out inside laying and sometimes digging, sometimes climbing on the roost, sometimes laying under the nesting boxes.

So spacious big coop, and many things to do in there, might be added a tv with Chicken Run movie on, and some poultry magazines....

 

[Laurasb65]

If they will come out to greet you?
Keep food and water in the coop.
That will deter predators if no food seen also.
Behaviors will change as they start to lay.

I keep the feed in the coop. If i don't, I get birds and squirrels and mice coming in the run. I let my chickens free range during the day so the runs door is open. I have a camera in the coop, no mice in the coop.