hiding from the sun?

[beckysaur]

I got my three Buff Orpingtons as chicks in October. They just moved outside into their coop a couple weeks ago. The last 2 days have been the first really sunny ones since they've gone outside. I thought they would be excited and more active. But it seems like half the time they are just sitting inside their coop (not even walking around in their run!) Is this normal? Or is there something wrong?
Also, what should the floor of their run look like? I threw some straw on it but then how do I maintain it? Could the floor be affecting their behavior in this way?
Thanks for any input!

 

[Eastins Eggs]

Is there snow on the ground. Chickens don't really like to walk on snow.

 

[beckysaur]

no snow.

 

[Eastins Eggs]

It could be they just need more time.

 

[flakey chick]

Is it windy?

 

[Rte.66_chicks]

Try tossing some of their favorite treats out in the run.

 

[beckysaur]

<It could be they just need more time.

more time? do you mean to get used to being outside?

 

[mjdtexan]

Quote:
Mine reacted badly to even small amounts of wind at first. They didnt like airplanes either. Now Brutus (our pitt bull puppy) can be at the fence barking his head off at them and it does not even faze them. Your chickens just need time I think.

One thing I do is to feed them every morning outside as soon as I let them out. They come running out every morning and run straight for their feeders.

 

[CovenantCreek]

Even though my flock is well accustomed to being outside, when it's sunny they prefer to hang out in the bushes in front of the house rather than foraging. Torrential downpour, they're out looking for worms, but as soon as the sky clears it's back to the shadows.