- Jun 20, 2010
- 10
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- 22
We have five hens about 3 months old, barred rocks and rhode island reds. We had them on our screened in porch because our chicken coop wasn't finished yet. We finally got it done and put them in their new home for about 1 week before letting them out. The coop is about 300 ft. from the house. At first they stayed close to the coop, but after a few days started venturing further and further away, all on our property (2 acres) but in different locations. One night, we forgot to shut the coop door and after checking on them after dark, found them snuggled in the grass by the garage instead of in the coop. A couple nights later, we found them waiting at the screened door to come onto our screened in porch. We closed the door, but they started flying up towards the windows like they wanted to come in the house. So, I let them on the porch again. I don't mind them free ranging around the house, but want them to go to their coop at night, which they don't. We live in upstate NY, but the temps here have been extremely hot, in the lower 90's. The coop is actually an old sugar shack, with their area about 12 x 12' with a good cross breeze. Do you think that they just like staying outside because of the temps? If they free range, will they eventually lay their eggs anywhere or go back to their nesting boxes in the coop? Should I start them all over again by putting them in the coop, without letting them out? I don't mind them being by the house, but my husband is having a fit! I was thinking of doing them a temporary coop by the house, and then putting them down to their permanent coop when the weather cools. Any suggestiions on their behavior or tips anyone might have would be greatly appreciated! Thanks so much!! Judy
