chickens won't leave the coop

[lescostes]

we just got our chickens last Monday, the first day we kept them in the coop/shed for the day to get them used to it. But now I can't get them to come out. Not unless I shoo them out. It has been rainy here, is that why? They seems to huddle in the corner. I've never had chickens before, so not sure what to expect. They are free-range chickens, the door goes open and they can wander around our 3 acres, our closest neighbor is 1/2 mile away. Thought maybe I'm feeding them too much, give 2 big handfuls of barley stuff and 2 big handfuls of pellets (would tell you the name of these but the farmer gave them to us and it's in french). I feed them in the am in the coop, maybe feeding them too much so why leave?

 

[esjro]

Don't worry, they will come out when they are relaxed and curious. I think it takes time to get used to the new digs. I got my hens when they were 4-5 weeks old, and it took a few days before they would venture out. Now they love being outside.

 

[Mahonri]

This has to be a double posted thread.