I'm having a serious problem with chickens trying to escape. Every time I open the door they all run up and crowd around the doorway, shoving past each other and trying to get out. I feed and water them regularly so there not starving or anything. There not super healthy though because this is my first flock and I'm trying to improve on there living conditions. Its starting to get extremely difficult getting in and out and I'm starting to have to slip in while there roosting just so that I can give them food and water and collect eggs. By the way I've tried distracting them with treats and stuff like fresh grass, and I've tried scaring them away from the door with an umbrella or plastic bag, but they won't budge. Is there some trick or something to get them to stop?
This is an easy one to resolve. Take a had full of scratch grain and toss it into a far corner of the coop and every single one of the chickens will stampede to that spot, allowing you to leisurely step through the doorway without being mobbed.
That is really odd behavior. When you mention you're trying to improve their living conditions, what is wrong with them currently? I've never had my chickens attempt to escape in that fashion before...and only one of my birds jumps the fence (but that's because he's in love with me, and wants me to cuddle him - he comes to the back door and crows at me to come hold him). Are they crowded? Adults require at least 4 square foot of space in the coop and at least 8-10 feet of square foot per bird in the run (for standard birds). The more space, the better. Is there a reason they can't be kept in a larger area with maybe electric poultry netting? That was the best and most cost-effective solution I used. My birds have loved it, and so have I - haven't lost a one since acquiring it. We need more details I think before we can really help you on this one.
