I have 15 rir pullets that came from Meyers and they are afraid of any thing they see. When I let out in the morning in a 20x20 run they go under the coop and spend the rest of the day there not coming out until all most dark. If I give them bread they run out to get a piece and right back under the coop. My pullets are 13 weeks old and I have had them from the time they were 3 days old. I am wondering if they will out grow this behavior or do I need to get some other chickens. I would like to free range my pullets but if they see some one or some thing they are gone. Thank you for your help.
It sounds like they are being chickens but all jokes aside, I would say it's pretty normal. Younger chickens seem to be a lot more skittish than adults and I've seen that they seem to mellow out a lot once they lay. They could be just still getting used to their surroundings. Is there any way to prevent them from going under the coop? Chickens seem to be like little kids in the sense that if they haven't tried something, they usually don't like it. I would block any ways they can get under the coop and throw a little scratch out there every day. Also I would (if you haven't) look into setting up roosts in the run along with different levels of things try can jump and play on. I would give it time.
That is my experience with RIR's as well. It can become very irritating. They scream when you pick them up. I have some that are 10 weeks old some that are 13 weeks and some that are 1 1/2 years. The ones that are a year and a half have gotten a lot better but they are not the docile birds that the experts say. I have one that doesn't think I am out to kill her. Another problem I've had with the RIR's is they don't except new birds into the flock and when you don't have a lot of space you have to introduce more birds to replace the older ones. They are bullies to the newbies. Over the summer I got 2 Barred Rocks that were 12 weeks and they were so laid back and loving. When I go in the coup they both jump up on the roost and then fly on my arm and peck my hair and ears. Totally blew me away. They love people and are not afraid of us. I ordered some eggs from The Mad Hatcher (just had to have more) I only ended up with 5 out of twelve and those five are calm and loving. I have found my breed!!! Good luck with the RIR's I'm sure they will calm down some.
They're still babies, and well aware they're at the bottom of the food chain. They're just being smart chickens, staying alive! They will get better as they age. Remember they don't have any older birds to show them what's safe and what isn't, so they err on the side of caution (*and staying alive*).
How long have they been outside? It may just take time. I also have hatchery RIR's But they have been able to free range Since they were mostly feathered. Now they go wherever they want lol. Also Hatchery RIR's are not as laid back and friendly as the true Heritage breeds.
