Hens seem scared to go in outdoor run

[JoCin]

Morning everyone! I have a new question I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on. We noticed yesterday our 6 hens did not go out immediately when I opened their door to their outdoor run. This run is completely protected with hardware cloth from top to bottom. No air or land predation can get to them. This is the first time this has happened since we built it for them Memorial Day Weekend. When my husband went out and sat at the end of it they came running and stayed as long as he did. As soon as he left, they ran back to the run adjacent to their coop. This morning, pretty much the same thing. We have looked and looked in our trees for a hawk or an owl. We haven't seen one, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Any thoughts? Thanks

 

[The Coop Crew]

Morning everyone! I have a new question I am hoping someone might be able to shed some light on. We noticed yesterday our 6 hens did not go out immediately when I opened their door to their outdoor run. This run is completely protected with hardware cloth from top to bottom. No air or land predation can get to them. This is the first time this has happened since we built it for them Memorial Day Weekend. When my husband went out and sat at the end of it they came running and stayed as long as he did. As soon as he left, they ran back to the run adjacent to their coop. This morning, pretty much the same thing. We have looked and looked in our trees for a hawk or an owl. We haven't seen one, but that doesn't mean it's not there. Any thoughts? Thanks

I wonder if something spooked them that you didn’t see. Maybe try leaving treats in the run for a few days to see if they’ll come out?