Once the chicks got to be a couple weeks old we would have them out in the yard (supervised) everyday and let them roam around, they didn't roam far and usually stayed in one area.
Now they are about 6 weeks old and have moved to the coop. They have a run but the run is only for when no one is home - since we work from home there just about always someone here and we have not had to use it yet.
Everyday I let the pullets out and everyday they go to one spot in the yard and stay pretty much in that area really only leaving to go to their food and water in the run and then run back to that spot. They will sometimes explore a little but only for a few seconds then - same thing - run back to that spot.
I have tried to entice them to other parts of the yard by placing a tray of treats (like applesauce or fruit or veggies) in another area, but it is the same as the food...eat and run.
We live on about a 1/2 acre so there is plenty of room. It is also very quiet where we live - very few cars, no planes or loud noises - so am not sure why they stay in the same area all the time.
Is this normal while they get their bearings? Should I be attempting to make them go to another spot? They aren't lethargic - they play and peck and dig and scratch and dust bathe in the spot they like.
Funny thing is, I was worried about them running off and having to chase them back in the yard : /
Now they are about 6 weeks old and have moved to the coop. They have a run but the run is only for when no one is home - since we work from home there just about always someone here and we have not had to use it yet.
Everyday I let the pullets out and everyday they go to one spot in the yard and stay pretty much in that area really only leaving to go to their food and water in the run and then run back to that spot. They will sometimes explore a little but only for a few seconds then - same thing - run back to that spot.
I have tried to entice them to other parts of the yard by placing a tray of treats (like applesauce or fruit or veggies) in another area, but it is the same as the food...eat and run.
We live on about a 1/2 acre so there is plenty of room. It is also very quiet where we live - very few cars, no planes or loud noises - so am not sure why they stay in the same area all the time.
Is this normal while they get their bearings? Should I be attempting to make them go to another spot? They aren't lethargic - they play and peck and dig and scratch and dust bathe in the spot they like.
Funny thing is, I was worried about them running off and having to chase them back in the yard : /