Free Range/Coop Guilt

[BellaBlueBell]

This may sound weird - in fact, I'm sure it does!! My 3 hens have a lovely little chalet coop to which hubby added an 8x4 run, giving them a total of 48 sf of run space in addition to the coop. I have a large fenced yard, so when I can keep a good eye on them, I let them out to free range, which they love. When they are back in the coop, I swear they watch my door to see when I'm coming out to release them. They pace back and forth, like being in a jail cell. Very guilt inducing! Anyone experience this?

The Co-dependent Chicken Lady

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

I think everyone with chickens has dealt with this.

1. No, they will not die.
2. Those crocodile tears aren’t real.
3. They don’t have a lawyer and can’t sue you for not letting them out.

Those are good responses for when they start telling the inevitable lies.

 

[BellaBlueBell]

Ahh, the moaning! They can sound so pathetic. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

 

[Ihavesomechickens]

Ahh, the moaning! They can sound so pathetic. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

I have a buff Orpington that tried to convince me free ranging was a good idea. She did, and it took me two hours to find her again. They just sound so sad, it makes hearts break.

 

[Acre4Me]

Mmm... yeah, the crocodile tears. Lol.

They are fine! We keep our in a large run. Occasionally one gets out. But it paces the fence line to get back in! We let them out after the garden is done.

My kid completely spoils one particular chicken, that is 2.5 years old....she holds her, carries her around, takes her to a patch of clover to eat to her little heart’s content, but she’s not the one begging to get out!! I guess she figures her human escort will be along shortly.

 

[CSolis]

Mine are in a 400 sq ft dog kennel I found when clearing my land. Only 5 of them in there, and yes they all run to the door when I approach the pen.. but... they know where the food comes from. They aren't stoopid! Oh look, mom's bringing treats! Spoiled brats.