My chickens won't leave the coop!

[PugAndChickMomma]

She's so pretty!! I have a few who prefer to spend their time in the coop. Can you post pictures of your coop and run?
Chickens can be so weird lol

Not the best picture, but here it is. It's a raised coop, with space under and a separate area on the side.

 

[PugAndChickMomma]

I find my older ones tend to stay inside more.
Whats her age?

16 weeks

 

[PugAndChickMomma]

So during the 8 weeks they've only wanted to stay in the coop?

Is there anything outside that might be upsetting them, such as a neighbor's barking dog or wildlife walking by?

Normally I wouldn't advocate locking them out but since the run is covered so rain isn't an issue, you might want to close up the pop door one day when you're at home to keep an eye on things, and see what they do.

We do have a ton of wildlife, deer, coyotes, bears, racoons, bobcats, maybe more... Hawks visit them, but obviously can't get to them, but they do walk around outside. My neighbor has chickens and she said they are outside all the time, they are older though.

 

[sourland]

Hawks visit them, but obviously can't get to them, but they do walk around outside.

Are you indicating that the hawks walk around the outside of the pen ? This would surely keep the birds in the security of the coop.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I do wonder if that's it, if something outside the run has scared them so they don't feel safe to go out much?

 

[PugAndChickMomma]

Are you indicating that the hawks walk around the outside of the pen ? This would surely keep the birds in the security of the coop.

Yes, they will land right near the coop and walk around it. Never attacked or anything, but one has come at least a few times that I have seen.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I agree with Sourland.

A predator outside of your run will keep them hiding in their safe place.

I know when my birds spot a hawk they scream and run for cover into the coop.

 

[ThreeOfSeven]

Ah, hawks. The minute my girls see a hawk, they're inside the coops, huddled in a corner, and quiet as church mice. And they stay there.