Entire flock staying inside coop

[McChooky]

I would put their feed and water inside if you can't get them to go outside.I suspect a predator is lurking and they're afraid to go out.If the neighbors have locked their chickens up the predator may be stalking yours.I would get a game camera to see whats harassing them when you aren't around.Going without food especially water even for a short time is devastating in the heat of summer.I dont know what the temperatures are like where you are but the coop has to be hot if you live in zone 6 or higher.

 

[McChooky]

Hi All. I have 6 hens (2 are 18 weeks and 4 are 8 weeks). They are getting along well and are all staying in the coop all day yesterday and so far today. They come out to eat/drink whenever I go out, and then go back in. I’ve read lots of threads about one or two of them doing this, but not the entire flock. The weather is great (mid-70s).

A couple of things I wonder about:
The neighbors had a chicken killed Saturday night and it was a loud disturbing scenario. They were out the entire next day though, so I don’t think this is the issue.
And my coop is level, but the run is on a slope. Could this be bothering them? It will be a lot of work to level the run, so I hate to do it if this isn’t likely to be the issue. Otherwise, I’m glad to do it.

Any other ideas?

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but chicken wire will not keep predators out. Most predators can chew a hole it it, knock it down or squeeze thru it or under it. Raccoons can stick their paw thru it and pull their heads off. We all learn the hard way unfortunately, after we build them.You need 1/2" hardware cloth to keep out most predators top to bottom with an apron.

 

[McChooky]

Another strange thing is that they were mostly in the run for a week, including during a very bad and windy storm. Seems like something changed yesterday.

3 days ago your neighbors chicken was killed (Saturday) and the last 2 days yours are refusing to go outside unless you're there.I don't know what you can do to make it more secure but it definitely sounds like they like the set up but are too afraid to go out unless you're there.Do you happen to know what killed the chicken next door?