Lock the Coop?

[Anguissette]

I have a flock consisting of 10 week old BO pullets, and 14 week old guineas. In the morning around 6am I open the coop and let them free range as they please. However, they do not want to leave the coop area and often even during the day when it is MUCH cooler outside than in, they go back inside the coop. My question is, should I close the coop up in the am after I let them out? Or are they just young and will explore more and range further with age?

Sorry this is such a newb question...but I'm a newb!

 

[crosbygroup]

I'd leave it open. Are their nest boxes inside? If they are you want them to know they can go back at anytime and lay their egg in their nest box. If you want them to range a bit you might try scattering some treats around further from the coop.

 

[midget_farms]

Leave it open - they feel safe in there & will go in & take naps at different times of the day. I keep my food & water in my coop to prevent wild birds from getting into it too.

Just make sure the coop is vented well & they will be fine.

 

[Anguissette]

I suppose I am just concerned because they don't seem to be putting much "range" in free range!
Hopefully as they mature they will feel more secure in their foraging?