Chickens wont leave coop

[Pat H]

I was glad to see your post! Mine are doing the same thing. I have 11 week old pullets, 2EE's and 2 BR's. They won't leave the coop. We put them ouside in the covered run for an hour or so this morning, and had to close the door behind them to keep them out. They just stood on the ladder huddled against the closed door. Hopefully they will get it, either that or the grass will grow long enough that they can reach it from the coop!

We went out so I let them back in. Put their water in the coop, but left the food outside. Hopefully that's enough to tempt them out.

 

[motherochickens]

Update: mine are now pros. They line up each morning when my husband opens the door - go in and out all day long. I think it really just takes a few weeks for them to get used to new things. And they are always inside ready for bed (curled up in a ball together) by lights out. So funny!

 

[milamyler]

Hey, that gives me hope - going on day 4 of the crazy birds not leaving the coop for the run. I put them all down in the run at least once a day and most are back up within 1-10 minutes. They love when I leave the coop door open so they can bask in the sun, but won't go down with the run door open all day!

 

[Yellowhornet]

Hi Everyone,

I have had my new pullets (6) for 24 hrs and there isn't room for food and water in the coop due to its shape so its all outside for them in feeders and water container. its plenty big enough for them inside without them being in the nest boxes even but I am unsure how long to leave it before I try to shush them out?

I have asked locally and the opinion seems to be that they will venture out when they see fit to?

the weather is only 5 degrees and very wet here in Cornwall , UK, but they have plenty of area to range free within an electric fence if they want to.

The final factor for me is that they dont have a ramp but the door is only 4 inches off the floor and again I am told this is not required?



any advice would be appreciated

Yellowhornet

 

[Ducks4us]

Hi Everyone, I have had my new pullets (6) for 24 hrs and there isn't room for food and water in the coop due to its shape so its all outside for them in feeders and water container. its plenty big enough for them inside without them being in the nest boxes even but I am unsure how long to leave it before I try to shush them out? I have asked locally and the opinion seems to be that they will venture out when they see fit to? the weather is only 5 degrees and very wet here in Cornwall , UK, but they have plenty of area to range free within an electric fence if they want to. The final factor for me is that they dont have a ramp but the door is only 4 inches off the floor and again I am told this is not required? any advice would be appreciated Yellowhornet

I would make at least room for a small bowl of food and water inside the coop. They need to be eating and drinking. Mine didnt want to come out for 3 days. I sat out in the run part with treats and talked to them. Finally day 3 they decided too and were fine after that. But even if its small dishes make sure they have some food and water till they want to come out. How old are they? 5 degrees is pretty cold.

 

[Ducks4us]

And yes if the door is only 4 inches from the ground then they do not need a ramp.

 

[Yellowhornet]

Hi,

I can put some water and feed in small Tupperware boxes inside?

these would fit OK as the perches are higher up inside I am just worried they may mess in them?

they haven't come into lay yet but they are at the point of lay I am told

cheers

Yellowhornet

 

[Ducks4us]

Hi,

I can put some water and feed in small Tupperware boxes inside?

these would fit OK as the perches are higher up inside I am just worried they may mess in them?

they haven't come into lay yet but they are at the point of lay I am told

cheers

Yellowhornet

Yes i would do this. They prob will make a mess. Maybe sit them inside of a pan or something that will help keep from tipping. But even with a mess its important to make sure they are getting food and water.
Do they have a covered area connected to this coop that they can come out onto dry ground ?
Becauee my adults would not come out into 5 degrees and wet. They stayed in the covered run, where it was protected from wind and rain.

 

[Yellowhornet]

Unfortunately, there is no covered area here as this is within a small orchard but as spring is only just upon us the trees arent in bloom.

I may need to consider perhaps a temp covered area for them in colder days?

this will also help keep the feeder dry

many thanks

yellowhornet

 

[Ducks4us]

Unfortunately, there is no covered area here as this is within a small orchard but as spring is only just upon us the trees arent in bloom.

I may need to consider perhaps a temp covered area for them in colder days?

this will also help keep the feeder dry

many thanks

yellowhornet

Yes they will for sure need a covered area. I attached one to the coop and its 3 sided to help with wind. The whole front is open. Their feed and water is in there and i have a couple roosts in there. On wet/ windy and cold days thats where the chickens all stayed.