My chicks won't leave the coop... Help!

[MLchickens]

So, we finally got our first chickens last Friday and they are all super sweet! We have four chicks that are all six weeks old. We have a Red Star named Gertrude, a Amerucana named No Name, a Cuckoo Maran named Oreo, and a Cream Legbar named Christine. They all seem healthy, but I am getting worried. Our coop is an old swingset. We used the fort for the roost and nesting boxes, and the A-frame that used to have the swings is the run. Well, my chicks have not left the fort part of our coop since Sunday. I know they might just be getting used to their new home, but they were in and out of it all day on Friday and Saturday. Is something wrong? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks so much! >)

 

[Judy]

They might be staying in to avoid the sun and stay cooler if the weather is warm, or to avoid some animal that passes too close, or perhaps some loud noises. Or maybe they just need more time, even though they did go out at first, which does make it sound like they are avoiding the outdoors for some reason.

Mine spend the hot part of the day in the coop during the summer because it is shadier and has a better breeze than the shady places outdoors, so it is cooler. They go out mornings and toward evening.

 

[azygous]

Same with my flock. They've been turning down opportunities to free range now that the temps are in the 80s.

Also, at just six weeks of age, chicks will naturally stick close to the safety of the coop until one of them gets up the nerve to venture out. Then they'll all suddenly be outside.

You might want to double check that no animals are lurking around the run. If they see anything unfamiliar to them, they are going to stay inside.

 

[ShockValue]

Is it easy for them to get to the run? Is it on the same level, or is there some kind of ramp?