My 7 week old chicks laying around perching.

[Teresa D]

So I thought chicks would be constantly busy bodies. Mine are laying around perching. Is that normal? They do go in and out of the coop. When I open it in the morning they all are anxious to get out. But I noticed today they like spending more time in the coop laying around. Or late this afternoon when they were outside they were perching instead of foraging.
Also I opened the door to see if they would come out with me free in the yard. My Australorps were afraid they came out but went right back in. My Barred rock both of them were very interested in me and foraging, but only near the door with it opened.

 

[RebelChief]

Maybe something has frightened them?

 

[waytomanychickens]

So I thought chicks would be constantly busy bodies. Mine are laying around perching. Is that normal? They do go in and out of the coop. When I open it in the morning they all are anxious to get out. But I noticed today they like spending more time in the coop laying around. Or late this afternoon when they were outside they were perching instead of foraging.
Also I opened the door to see if they would come out with me free in the yard. My Australorps were afraid they came out but went right back in. My Barred rock both of them were very interested in me and foraging, but only near the door with it opened.

you may have a hawk around. chickens watch constantly for anything that flies. being very young and in a new place would also make them cautious

 

[21hens-incharge]

My thoughts too. Some predator or perceived predator may have given a fright.

 

[Teresa D]

Thanks I need to realize that they are only 7 weeks old. At least I know they feel safe in their coop.

 

[Teresa D]

Maybe something has frightened them?

Probably me I started holding them today after someone posted that it is fine to hold them. I haven't been but I suppose they need to be use to me if I need to do body checks. My barred rock dilly ann she is liking the attention and my one australorp also enjoyed it not at first but I held her and gently talked to her. So I think I might spend an hour a few mornings of the week just socializing with them.

 

[Galeann]

It does look like a very comfy coop. I'd wanna chill in there and chatter with them.

 

[Teresa D]

My thoughts too. Some predator or perceived predator may have given a fright.

I have a lot of predators around that is for sure.

 

[Teresa D]

It does look like a very comfy coop. I'd wanna chill in there and chatter with them.

My husband who was not down with me getting chicks actually insisted on painting it for us ladies. We feel very lucky. Here is the little tack room.