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.

 

[brutus9643]

do you have a light on overnight inside the coop?

 

[MrsBillius]

do you have a light on overnight inside the coop?

I do not keep a light on overnight inside the coop.

 

[Boxlock]

Hey, all - my small flock of 6 pullets were doing great in their run during the day for weeks, but very suddenly started spending every day all day inside the coop.. today is day 4 of this - they come out to the run only a few times to eat/drink and return right back to the coop (8'x8'). I've not found or heard any evidence of predators that might be scaring them and nothing has changed in their run (8'x16'). Someone told me to lock them out of the coop during the day for a few days, but I'm struggling with that since they should have a retreat space if they're scared. Am I wrong? What should I do? Should I wait this out? Should I force the issue? Is it ok for them to spend days inside the coop? They're too young to lay, so I know they're not seeking the nesting boxes. Would appreciate your thoughts and input...

You are not wrong ever being kind to them!

 

[Vicker]

I wouldn't worry too much about it. For whatever reason, they feel more comfortable inside. If something spooked them out there, they'll get over it with time.

 

[Boxlock]

I do not keep a light on overnight inside the coop.

That’s how I heated my coop years ago when I was just a kid. I put an incandescent light, of various sizes depending on the temperature outside, inside a metal minnow bucket so no light would be visible through the night. It kept the ‘dog house’ coop really warm as I insulated the dog house. Worked great!