My 8 week-old pullets are addicted to their coop...

[thecatumbrella]

I have a 9x18 covered run that the girls spent weeks 4-7 making field trips to. No coop during this time. Our neighborhood can be pretty loud (cars, dogs, heavy machinery, guns, etc... you know, New Hampshire stuff), but they did pretty well. I have places for them to hide, dust bathe, and perch. There's a grow-through wall with edible plants. And I keep a shade cloth along the back for privacy and to reduce spookiness.

The coop was added the day they were to move in full-time. It's an Omlet Eglu Pro (I know... ew) and they took to it immediately. They took to it so well that they rarely leave it! Seriously, we had to kick them out in the beginning because they forgot to eat and drink (food and water are in the run). It's been a week since they moved in full-time, and they'll head out every 60-90 minutes for a snack break, but return within 15 minutes and bed back down to preen and nap.

I don't get it. Our last flock spent some time in their coop (also an Omlet Eglu), but wanted to be outside where the action was.

Help BYC! Is this fine? Do I boot them out? Is it a phase (It's not a phase, mom!)? I've noticed it's mostly driven by two of the mottled pekins. Once they're in, the third mottled has to follow. Then half the flock's missing from the run, so the others succumb to peer pressure. Photo of the offenders included.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Being only eight weeks old, they're more easily frightened by things. Keep their food and water outside during the day to encourage them to be out more and give them time. As they grow older, if it's still a problem, then try locking them out for a couple of hours at a time until they adjust.

On a side note, what is the weather like there? I know for me here in Maine, we're going through a cold snap. If it's like that where you are, they might be staying inside because it's warmer. Also, if there's any wind, that will drive them inside as well.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Being only eight weeks old, they're more easily frightened by things. Keep their food and water outside during the day to encourage them to be out more and give them time. As they grow older, if it's still a problem, then try locking them out for a couple of hours at a time until they adjust.

On a side note, what is the weather like there? I know for me here in Maine, we're going through a cold snap. If it's like that where you are, they might be staying inside because it's warmer. Also, if there's any wind, that will drive them inside as well.

It was definitely cold and windy yesterday. I'm thankful they knew to retreat back to the coop to warm up! Today is mid-50's and calm (and the neighbors are actually quiet for once), so I was more surprised they didn't want to be out.

Of course, they're making liars of me and running around right now. They're definitely a skittish bunch. I'll give them more time to get acclimated. This weekend looks to be much nicer, and they'll need to be shut out for meet and greets with the new chicks.

Thanks for the feedback!

 

[Mrs. K]

Do you have a wind shelter like a bin or tote turned on its side out in the run? I know that you have a wind break on the wall of the run, but maybe they want sometime a little smaller. I have two in my run and my full size birds hang out there sometimes.