Couple behavior questions

[jmb52]

I have 5 pullets who are 14 weeks old (first time mama hen here). They have a partially covered but completely hardware-clothed run that’s 184 sq ft and access to under the 8x6 coop. I do need to put more things in the run for entertainment, but I’m finding that they spend almost all of their time hiding in the dark under the coop. It makes me kind of sad, because I feel like they’re not being active except for during supervised free range time. The coop and run are tucked into a wooded area that is shaded. Is this normal behavior for their age, or could there be something displeasing about the run? Also, they were pretty social up to around 10 weeks old, but I was out of town quite a bit in July and have noticed they are much less friendly now. Could this change be a teenager thing? Thanks everyone!

 

[sourland]

It is probably cooler beneath the coop.

 

[jmb52]

It is probably cooler beneath the coop.

I thought that too at first, but we’ve had some cool mornings in the 60s and they’re still under there then.

 

[sourland]

Habits are hard to break. There is also the possibility that they are aware of a predator in the area.

 

[jmb52]

Habits are hard to break. There is also the possibility that they are aware of a predator in the area.

Oh that may be it then. We came home about a week ago and saw a fox standing near the run at like 4pm.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Teen birds are also often flightier or less sociable with people, but once they reach point of lay they'll usually calm down and be a little friendlier/easier to handle.

 

[jmb52]

Teen birds are also often flightier or less sociable with people, but once they reach point of lay they'll usually calm down and be a little friendlier/easier to handle.

Oh I hope so! Thank you for this info!

 

[3KillerBs]

Retreating from the heat was also my first thought.

But do get some clutter into the run so that it doesn't make them feel exposed in a barren environment. Chickens are creatures of the forest floor so a wide-open space isn't a natural environment for them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/#post-21588636

 

[jmb52]

Retreating from the heat was also my first thought.

But do get some clutter into the run so that it doesn't make them feel exposed in a barren environment. Chickens are creatures of the forest floor so a wide-open space isn't a natural environment for them.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/#post-21588636

Thanks so much for the link! I put a few things in this weekend and they have already been out and about more this morning! I want to plant a bush or small tree if I can figure out what might survive them (and not be harmful to them).

 

[Nicrom]

Mine are just now laying but they are always under the coop too! They seem to love it and I think they feel super safe.