Feeling guilty

[Kaesi2020]

Hi all, we have six 24 week old pullets. They have been free ranging most of the day for the last few months, having a grand old time. I leave them in the coop till noon and then let them out. They go back to the coop on their own each night. It's been nice allowing them this freedom all summer. We have been lucky with no predator issues till now. Today we saw a hawk land in a nearby tree and I immediately put the chickens in their 17x5 run. When they are in there, they cry to get out. I guess I feel bad leaving them in there and regret not making the run bigger. I've asked on here before if 17x5 is OK for six chickens and most people said yes. Am I feeling guilty for no reason? Are they actually probably fine and I'm reading into it? I am going to try and throw in fresh grass and seeds to keep them busy. I have plenty of roosting branches in there too. We are considering expanding the run despite our dread of having to trench and screen again. Anyway, just wondering sharing my story and experience. Safety comes first.

 

[cheepteach]

it's like putting a dog in his crate after being out for a while---of course they want to be out! you are looking out for them---being a grown up can be hard!

 

[deidreg]

You're hens are lucky and probably a bit spoiled. Your run is plenty big and looks very secure. Just keep giving them things to keep them busy. You're doing the right thing!

 

[Kaesi2020]

You're hens are lucky and probably a bit spoiled. Your run is plenty big and looks very secure. Just keep giving them things to keep them busy. You're doing the right thing!

Thank you for this note. We are very hard on ourselves with the chickens sometimes and they are probably spoiled. I need to keep them in the run more for their safety and stop reading into it. I'm going to keep putting a variety of organic materials in there to keep them occupied.

 

[deidreg]

When I first got the hens I let them out for a supervised free range once a day. But since I'm unemployed I've got time on my hands. So every time they see me come outside they get excited. I decided to come outside and not let them out occasionally so they stop expecting me to open the door. We'll see how that works.

 

[cmom]

They might enjoy a flock block in their pen.

 

[ansmith1999]

mine also wine and line up at the door when they’re put away/when I’m around but can’t let them out. I do feel guilty too but like everyone else has said - safety comes first and you’re protecting them!

 

[Kaesi2020]

When I first got the hens I let them out for a supervised free range once a day. But since I'm unemployed I've got time on my hands. So every time they see me come outside they get excited. I decided to come outside and not let them out occasionally so they stop expecting me to open the door. We'll see how that works.

I've had a similar experience. I am a teacher and since April have been teaching from home which means I bring my laptop on the porch and can

mine also wine and line up at the door when they’re put away/when I’m around but can’t let them out. I do feel guilty too but like everyone else has said - safety comes first and you’re protecting them!

Yes mine do that too, they all crowd by the door and whine. I let them free range for half an hour before bed though with me watching and they stayed right outside the coop the whole time it was great and easy to monitor them.