Six young hens camping out

[Erba]

So for about a month now 6 of my younger hens have taken to camping out at night. I have searched far and wide, and can't find where they go. They seem to be so well hidden, that not even predators can find them. I have to admit my property is pretty over grown, and I can't look under every bush. They are not much bothered that they can't get to the food in the pen, by doing this. I started feeding them after a week of this nonsense, because I was worried they weren't getting enough. This is not good, what do you suggest I do?

 

[Isadora]

My first question is about the fact that you said you started feeding them. Does that mean you weren't feeding them any actual chicken feed before?
Bit of a touchy subject with me because I read a blog post that said chickens only needed a little bit of feed in the summertime and the rest of the time they could forge for themselves. Possible in certain climates (like Hawaii) but pretty much untrue for most of the world. It was a rude awakening, for sure, since a big reason of how I convinced my husband to get a bunch was because they wouldn't be super expensive.
And I take it they free range during the day? They don't have a run you could confine them in until they relearn to go to the Coop at night?

 

[Erba]

Unfortunately I only have the one run attached to the coop. We are in the northern hemisphere, they started this when it was below zero Celsius, so they are probably huddled up somewhere. The only thing to eat here is grass. I was thinking about making a temporary net run, just to contain them.

 

[Silkie Princess]

Unfortunately I only have the one run attached to the coop. We are in the northern hemisphere, they started this when it was below zero Celsius, so they are probably huddled up somewhere. The only thing to eat here is grass. I was thinking about making a temporary net run, just to contain them.

Just grass?! Interesting

 

[Ruby Rogue]

I'm reading this as their food is usually in their pen, and they stopped coming to eat, so you're leaving food out in the yard for them. Please clarify?

 

[Isadora]

Unfortunately I only have the one run attached to the coop. We are in the northern hemisphere, they started this when it was below zero Celsius, so they are probably huddled up somewhere. The only thing to eat here is grass. I was thinking about making a temporary net run, just to contain them.

I would not let them out of their run for at least a week for them to relearn that the coop is where they go to sleep.

 

[jwsmith1959]

Give them a scratch treat as a reward for coming back to the coop in the evening and another in the morning when you let them out. They are bound to be roosting somewhere as that instinct is very strong. If you live in the Country, it is only a matter of time before a night time predator gets them.

 

[Erba]

I'm reading this as their food is usually in their pen, and they stopped coming to eat, so you're leaving food out in the yard for them. Please clarify?

No I give them a bowl of chicken feed when I come home from work about 1pm

 

[Ruby Rogue]

Can you post pics of your coop and run? Or do you know the dimensions? Tell us exactly how many birds you have, when these 6 were introduced, and whether or not everyone always have access to feed and water near the coop?

 

[crazychick26201]

I agree with the prior response to keep them in their coop/run for a week or two until they relearn the routine.