I have a new problem with my chickens not going outside and I am wondering if anyone can help me. They have been roaming our farm as freely as they wanted to. (even in the winter months) This week they stopped coming out, except for a short time in the morning. There are two factors that I am wondering could have caused this behavior change.
1. We had visitors on our farm who (unfortunately) allowed their children to chase our chickens around the yard. By the time I was able to stop them, it had gone on for about 1/2 hour. Could this have frightened them inside?
or
2. We have 'gnats' in Minnesota right now. It is a challenge for any of us to spend much time outside, due to the nasty gnats. Could this have caused them to retreat to their coop?
Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions. Please no negative comments about the children chasing the hens. Believe me, we are still upset about it.
1. We had visitors on our farm who (unfortunately) allowed their children to chase our chickens around the yard. By the time I was able to stop them, it had gone on for about 1/2 hour. Could this have frightened them inside?
or
2. We have 'gnats' in Minnesota right now. It is a challenge for any of us to spend much time outside, due to the nasty gnats. Could this have caused them to retreat to their coop?
Thanks for any thoughts, suggestions. Please no negative comments about the children chasing the hens. Believe me, we are still upset about it.