Getting them to leave the coop.

[Winston]

This is my first go at chickens. So I am not sure about normal behavior. I have 14 Dominiques and 3 Buff Brahmas (2 of them roosters) all about 12 weeks old. I have had them in a shed and then moved them to a coop about a month ago. Last week I got some electric poultry netting and made them a large run. They used to act like they wanted out all the time. I thought they would rush out and enjoy the great outdoors. They do go out, but usually not all of them and they do not stay out long. They spend most of their time by far in the coop. Is this normal? I thought they would love to get out. I am in Alabama and it is in the 90's so maybe it is hot. They do not have shade in the yard. Is this normal? Thanks

 

[ChickenAl]

I'll bet the heat has something to do with it. Ours will go in the coop when the sun is shining on the run or if it is hot. They come out when a fan is put on the run and stand in front of it on a really hot day. They definitely do not like to stay in the sun too long when it is hot.

Eventually, they will come out and play, scratch and forage.

 

[Tenmore]

I agree its probably the heat and if they have been locked up in the coop that is where they feel the most secure.. Even at 16 weeks when I let mine out to free range all day it took a couple weeks before they ventured more than 30 feet from the coop......Now I cant keep em off the front porch where they leave their little presents for me....and now they started to venture accross the street as a result they have lost a bit of their Freedom. Hang in there they will get it.

 

[chickenbuttsowhat]

ya its the heat all my babies stay in the coop as well only come out after the sun has went behind the house so they can play in the dirt and grass and then they run back in to the fans in the coop again wouldnt worry much

 

[Winston]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping it was the heat. My coop is at a temporary location. Maybe I should think about relocating to a place were they could have access to a shaded yard? I have a tree I could put part of the fenced area under, but I read this was good for predators.

 

[Miyashi]

Sounds like the heat to me too...my birdies all hang out under the overhang or inside the coop. They venture out into the sun now and then, but now for long. I go out with my garden hose and set the nozzle to mist and let them enjoy that for a bit. Make sure they always have cool water too! If you don't have time to constantly refill them, just keep some ice packs handy and toss them in when you go out to visit everyone.