Chicks first week outside

[ewood]

Hi. I'm new to chickens and not sure what to think of this. My chicks have just transitioned to their outdoor coop and run 3 days ago. So far, with few exceptions, they won't go in or out of the coop by themselves. Once they're in, they are happy as can be. Once they're out, just as happy, scratching a pecking. But even when it started raining, they huddled up under the coop until I put them back in. I've tried to show them the ramp, but I think it's all just too new for them right now. Is this a typical senario, or do I need to do something? I know it's not anything to be too concerned about, I just feel bad that they seem so confused. Any ideas?

Thanks.
Liz

 

[bawkbawkbawk]

You don't mention how old your chicks are, but, in general, I would say it's a very typical scenario.

My first group took weeks, even a month or so, to figure their way into the coop and pen. It takes them awhile to understand gates and doors, it seems.

They'll get it eventually!

 

[TwoCrows]

Quote:
X2

(I love your handle...Bawkbawkbawk..

)

 

[ewood]

Thanks. That's what my instincts were telling me, but I wanted to make sure. The chicks are about 7 weeks.

 

[TwoCrows]

My babies are now 4 1/2 months old and have only just learned to go in out of the rain! They would run the perimeter of their garden area, in panic mode when the rain was coming down, screaming, "mommy, what do we do!!" So I had to "pat" on the ramp, calling them in every time. They have finally learned.

 

[alisha]

with our we actually put them in every night because at that time we didn't have a cover over our run, after about a week or two they finally figured it out that, that's where they are supposed to go at night. as far as when it is raining ours still stay outside. i don't understand that one, but hey they are chickens!

 

[VkyVky]

We just put our almost 5 week old chicks out in the coop/run a few days ago. The sun starts to go down and they go to the corner of the run near the ramp up to the coop and peep plaintively. I've been turning on a lamp for them in the coop to encourage them to go up and in to their home. Last night 4 out of 5 did! We are soooo proud of our little chicks. I had to encourage the one to go inside by putting her on the ramp. She joined her sisters. We are hoping tonight they will go in by themselves. So, I guess it takes the little babies awhile since they don't have a real mommy to show them what's what.

 

[cmom]

You can shut them in the coop for 2 or 3 days and let them get used to it then open their pop door. I do that and also I have given them treats in the evenings in the coop when I want them to go in and then they get used to going in for a treat and after a bit I slow down the treats until I stop giving them. Just some suggestions.