Getting free chickens to actually go outside??

[rogershmstd]

We have a mixed breed flock of 13 hens that are free range. One is a few years old, the others are a little less than a year. We struggled with predators (hawk and coyote) taking out chickens in the fall and winter (including our rooster), so between the especially harsh winter and safety issues they all spent a lot of time in their coop during the last few months. However, we have been letting them outside again for the last few weeks without any incidents. Unfortunately, only 5 or 6 of the 13 will actually spend any time outside. The others might stick their heads outside, or jump out for a minute, but immediately hop back in and spend the entire day in the coop. Any ideas on getting them to spend time outside foraging?

 

[PSJ]

can you put them out and close the coop door behind them so they can't go back in?

 

[rogershmstd]

We can if we move their water outside. We did that once after we initially put them in the coop and they stayed huddled up right by the door. (It's on the backside of our barn and can't really be seen unless you walk around it) A hawk took out three of them that day. There's cover for them to hide under, but they have to actually walk around to get to it. I'm afraid if I lock them out they won't walk around to the cover or they make start laying somewhere other than their nesting boxes. But if that's the only way to get them outside I might have to...

 

[PSJ]

We can if we move their water outside. We did that once after we initially put them in the coop and they stayed huddled up right by the door. (It's on the backside of our barn and can't really be seen unless you walk around it) A hawk took out three of them that day. There's cover for them to hide under, but they have to actually walk around to get to it. I'm afraid if I lock them out they won't walk around to the cover or they make start laying somewhere other than their nesting boxes. But if that's the only way to get them outside I might have to...

I'd just prop the door open so they have the option to go out if they want. If they dont want to, it isnt going to hurt anything for them to stay in the coop

 

[PSJ]

have you tried luring them out with treats?

 

[KW Farms]

Put some of their food outside, scattered around and remove their food from their coop when you do this so they are more inclined to go out. Each day, feed them a little further from the coop. They will eventually learn to go out and forage and become more and more bold and interested in foraging.

 

[WalkingOnSunshine]

Put some of their food outside, scattered around and remove their food from their coop when you do this so they are more inclined to go out. Each day, feed them a little further from the coop. They will eventually learn to go out and forage and become more and more bold and interested in foraging.

I agree. Put their food outside and then kick them out so they know its there. Leave the door open so they can go back in if they want. Offer treats outside. They'll get it eventually--but it won't hurt them if they decide not to go out, either. It will just cost you more in chicken feed.

 

[rogershmstd]

That sounds like a good plan. (And, of course, so simple that I'm not sure why I didn't think to do that myself...) I think we found an egg or two that someone ate last week (AAAHHH!!!) and I'm afraid part of their problem is just boredom with being inside all the time. I put out more oyster shells and haven't found anymore broken shells or messes from egg that have been eaten, so I'm hoping that maybe someone just had a weaker shell that cracked in the nesting box and someone just took the opportunity to eat it. Obviously egg eating is a much bigger problem.

Thanks for your great insight!

 

[Stiggy]

Chances are that they feel safe / know its safe in their house/ coop. Idk how big their area is but you could try to preditor proof it with wood or tin ( roofing iron works well ) around the sides / the bottom half and wire overtop to keep out hawks. It won't be cheap but it would keep them safe