Is it bad to lock my hens out of the coop??

[Just4chicks]

Good morning,
I'm having trouble getting my girls to stay outside. They experienced a hawk attack Christmas day and the injured one has not fully returned to the flock yet. (She will be this weekend now that she finally has enough feathers growing back.). I understand they were traumatized and it has been much colder than usual so I've let them hang out more in the coop but we're almost a month past. Am I being impatient or do they need a little "help" to move on. We've had enough nicer days to prove that the cold isn't why they're staying in the coop. Today we're supposed to get up in the 50s but they're still wanting to go back in the coop. Is it a good idea to close the coop for some time during the day? Or is there a better way to help them?

 

[Cyprus]

I wouldn't lock them outside of the coop because if they need to get away from something, or the weather turns bad, then they won't be able to go back inside. It might also stress the birds out more.

Instead, I would add plenty of shelter for them outside. Whether that is trees, shrubs, a tipped trashcan, a box it doesn't matter. They may feel more comfortable being outside if they feel they have enough space to hide from hawks.

You could also coax them outside by tossing some scratch grain a fair distance from the entrance. Use a little bit inside the entrance first, to get their attention.

That's just MHO, though.

 

[chickens really]

The Coop is home and security to the Birds...Why would you lock them out?

 

[Just4chicks]

I wouldn't lock them outside of the coop because if they need to get away from something, or the weather turns bad, then they won't be able to go back inside. It might also stress the birds out more.

Instead, I would add plenty of shelter for them outside. Whether that is trees, shrubs, a tipped trashcan, a box it doesn't matter. They may feel more comfortable being outside if they feel they have enough space to hide from hawks.

You could also coax them outside by tossing some scratch grain a fair distance from the entrance. Use a little bit inside the entrance first, to get their attention.

That's just MHO, though.

We added more places to hide including a big tarped area after it happened. I've been doing a good amount of coaxing and bribing with food- that's the only time they've spent out is when I'm out there with them. They have the area under the coop (it's 2' off the ground per regulations so we just screened it all in with a doorway) to hide from weather etc. plus I'm home watching them. Weather changes pretty fast here but not so fast I can't walk across the yard to open the coop for them.

 

[Cyprus]

We added more places to hide including a big tarped area after it happened. I've been doing a good amount of coaxing and bribing with food- that's the only time they've spent out is when I'm out there with them. They have the area under the coop (it's 2' off the ground per regulations so we just screened it all in with a doorway) to hide from weather etc. plus I'm home watching them. Weather changes pretty fast here but not so fast I can't walk across the yard to open the coop for them.

Not sure then You may just have some very stubborn or comfortable birds

 

[Just4chicks]

Not sure then You may just have some very stubborn or comfortable birds

Maybe. That's why I asked here cuz I can't think what else would help them and I worry hiding in the coop all the time isn't healthy. Thanks for your help!

 

[chickens really]

I would just let them decide what they want to do..
Stressed Birds can cause drop in egg production and behavioural issues. Once they feel comfortable they will come back out. Somedays mine stay in too if a Hawk has been flying over or if the squirrel gets too pushy...

 

[Just4chicks]

The Coop is home and security to the Birds...Why would you lock them out?

I am new to this so I don't know if they need a little help overcoming it or if closing the coop door is worse than them hiding in the coop all the time. (And I wasn't thinking to close it for a big amount of time just a bit so they could see that it's ok outside and build back confidence) It doesn't seem healthy that they stay in there all the time. I would love more insight on this and any other ideas on how to help them.

 

[chickens really]

I am new to this so I don't know if they need a little help overcoming it or if closing the coop door is worse than them hiding in the coop all the time. (And I wasn't thinking to close it for a big amount of time just a bit so they could see that it's ok outside and build back confidence) It doesn't seem healthy that they stay in there all the time. I would love more insight on this and any other ideas on how to help them.

You mentioned they come out with you outside right?
Your the confidence builder...When your out toss a few treats for them..We call each other Chickens for a reason ..

 

[Just4chicks]

Lol true! I'm also probably worrying too much as a "new mom" ...

You mentioned they come out with you outside right?
Your the confidence builder...When your out toss a few treats for them..We call each other Chickens for a reason ..