New chickens won't come out of their coop?? Is this normal?

[Tsmith1414]

We have 7 new to us chickens. Two are laying now, the rest will be laying in the coming weeks. We started with the coop shut for two days to allow them to get to know their coop and realize this was "home". We have now opened the coop door during the day and only three of the larger ones are coming out on their own. Is this normal? Do the others need more time? We close the coop at night and the three have been going back into the coop at evening times, yet the others seem content to never leave. Suggestions and advice welcomed.

 

[Mellowmalt]

a tree branch in the run can provide them with something to jump on. Moving the feed out of the coop will ensure all birds leave the nest in the morning. Up to you. Since hte run is covered, having it in the run is not an issue, the only issue would be topping it up but the coop has an opening underneath it so hanging it just there would be good.

 

[Capto Veritas]

Yes. Completely normal. IT is actually a sign that your chickens really like your coop! My chicken does the exact same thing. If you want them to free range a little bit, just pick them up out of the coop and have a treat ready in your hand. Slowly back farther away from the coop and let them follow you. They will be free ranging in no time!

 

[3KillerBs]

Moving the feed out of the coop will ensure all birds leave the nest in the morning.

Not to mention giving the chickens more room in their coop. I have my feed and water outside in the run even though I had to build a shelter for it since my run is open.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/an-outdoor-shelter-for-the-feeder-and-waterer.76487/

 

[3KillerBs]

I am wondering if moving the food out to the run would help or in this case hurt?

I'm a fan of keeping the food and water in the run to keep the mess and trouble out of the coop anyway.

Can you separate the older one for a few days? Maybe in something like my Outdoor Broody Breaker or the Temporary Accommodations where I have the chicks I need to integrate? (I once isolated an injured hen in a pet carrier).

 

[Tsmith1414]

Ty.

Yes. Completely normal. IT is actually a sign that your chickens really like your coop! My chicken does the exact same thing. If you want them to free range a little bit, just pick them up out of the coop and have a treat ready in your hand. Slowly back farther away from the coop and let them follow you. They will be free ranging in no time!

Ty. We will eventually free range. One did get out yesterday when we had the doors open and we were able to coax her back to the run with treats in our hand. Each time we go out there, which is often, we always take a little treat for them. We are able to pet and pick them up.

 

[3KillerBs]

If you put some of their favorite treats on the ramp they are likely to come out and follow the treat trail out.

But your wide open run has nothing to hide in and they might be scared. Can you add some useful clutter?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

 

[Tsmith1414]

If you put some of their favorite treats on the ramp they are likely to come out and follow the treat trail out.

But your wide open run has nothing to hide in and they might be scared. Can you add some useful clutter?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

We can do that thank you. One of the bigger one seems to chasing off the smaller ones that come down so we got her distracted with treats today and the smaller ones ventured out more.

 

[Tsmith1414]

If you put some of their favorite treats on the ramp they are likely to come out and follow the treat trail out.

But your wide open run has nothing to hide in and they might be scared. Can you add some useful clutter?

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/a-cluttered-run.1323792/

Ive added some overturned pots and stumps on their side that will not budge. We were using them as decorations around our koi ponds so it works perfectly. Hopefully the white one calms down and the smaller ones feel safer. Ty for the suggestions. We are new to this and didn’t think of it.

 

[3KillerBs]

Ive added some overturned pots and stumps on their side that will not budge. We were using them as decorations around our koi ponds so it works perfectly. Hopefully the white one calms down and the smaller ones feel safer. Ty for the suggestions. We are new to this and didn’t think of it.

Don't worry. Most new chicken keepers don't know to give the chickens clutter to make them feel more secure.