Chicks afraid to be in the run

[Suzilla Bean]

Bernice and Henrietta (RIR 9 weeks old) tentatively leave the coop to be out in the run. They go out into the run whenever I'm there and so I try to go out as often as I can. Do chickens prefer to be indoors?

 

[junebuggena]

How long have they been outside in the coop?

 

[Suzilla Bean]

They had been in the coop for 3 weeks before we could let them go out (because there wasn't a run). But they've been able to go outside for about a week now.

 

[junebuggena]

Well, then, there's you answer. Chickens don't like anything new. New things are scary for them. Give them time.

 

[Suzilla Bean]

Thank you for your response. They seem to be getting better. A recent rain helped bring up some worms... and that was plenty of encouragement!