Coop Behavior

[SGP8800]

I have 12 chickens. 8 are 5mos old, 4 just started laying. I have them in an inside enclosure that they access their coop from. I let them out everyday into a bigger outside enclosure that has a 10' fence. When I am out in the yard they will free roam with me. I have foxes, racoons, hawks so I need to be with them when they are free roaming. Everyday I let them out in the large enclosure. I go back in the evening to lock them up into the small enclosure where they can access their coop. I always have to rake out the door way so I can shut the door because they kick debris back towards the door as if they are trying to mask where they roost. Is this an inherent behavior?

 

[3KillerBs]

Scratching and digging are instinctive for chickens.

It's both part of their foraging behavior and part of their dustbathing behavior.

 

[nuthatched]

Chickens dig and scratch by nature. May trim a few inches off your door so it sweeps over it.

 

[Shadrach]

Hello SGP8800.
Welcome to BYC.
What an interesting idea.
You would get a better response if you posted about this behaviour in the Chicken Behaviour and Egg Laying section of the Forums

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have to take a little broom to sweep the wood chips away to close the door every night. Its just what they do. Most things chicken you have to find what works for you and your setup.

 

[SGP8800]

Scratching and digging are instinctive for chickens.

It's both part of their foraging behavior and part of their dustbathing behavior.

Thanks for replying. That's pretty much what they are doing all day if they aren't napping. It's just odd that out of the entire pen to kick stuff around in and the pen is big, they load up the front door. Especially impressed with the little log that keeps ending up there. I've picked it up placed it on the other side of the pen. Keeps showing up.

 

[SGP8800]

I have to take a little broom to sweep the wood chips away to close the door every night. Its just what they do. Most things chicken you have to find what works for you and your setup.

I do the same using a small rake. It's not a problem just curious as why they do it.

 

[SGP8800]

Chickens dig and scratch by nature. May trim a few inches off your door so it sweeps over it.

Definitely need to do that it's scraping bottom now.

 

[SGP8800]

Hello SGP8800.
Welcome to BYC.
What an interesting idea.
You would get a better response if you posted about this behaviour in the Chicken Behaviour and Egg Laying section of the Forums

Will do.

 

[artbykarenehaley]

Chickens scratch backwards.
So they probably stand with their back end facing the door and work their way forward