Hen House

[MKluckers]

Hello, I haven't been around chickens since I was about 10 years old, and so do have some catching up to do. I have some questions about my new flock of 11 and their reluctance to leave the hen house. My husband and I built a nice hen house in a 10 x 20 fenced in run. The chicks are 9 weeks old. Moved them in last weekend when we finally got the "chicken palace" finished! My concern is that they don't want to exit the hen house to roam around in the run. We have escorted them out each morning, and then same escort back in after the sun sets. Last night, I had a "bright" idea to turn on a light in the hen house to illuminate their hen door. Alas.....6 out of the 11 walked up the ramp into the house. I had to escort the other five up the ladder and into the house. This morning, I decided to just open the hen door and see what happens, let them come and go as they please. Two of the chicks came out, and then went back in. My question is, will they eventually decide to leave the hen house when they are ready? Do I need to
keep teaching them to come out and go back in at sunset?

 

[Flock Master64]

I think they they will eventually get tired of the coop and will want to come out and explore

 

[chickens really]

Once they settle in and are established with a routine....They will be in and out all day....Have no worries....

Cheers!

 

[tmarsh83]

Just getting acclimated. Their world get really big all the sudden. It'll take time.

For me, it was getting them in when evening crept in, instead of huddling at the door.