Spoiled chickens?

[Agathe]

So, we've had some unusually cold weather lately as well as snow at the same time so there hasn't been much to forage. I free range my flock these days. After the snow came they've started to hang out in front of entrance area and I thought it was nice having them there, so I started throwing them some treats. Then they started coming up the stairs, sitting outside the door, like they're waiting for treats, and they can do that for hours. A bit more annoying since they poop. Since it's been cold though and some of the birds have seemed to enjoy having a nap in my lap, I've sometimes sat down in the hallway and let them come sit in my lap for a while. I can have two birds in the lap at a time and others might have a nap on the floor in front of me. It's like they all get it's nap time. I've left the door open while doing this so it didn't get too warm for them, but not too cold for me. It has been some really sweet moments. But they seem to enjoy it a bit more than I expected, and this evening they didn't go back to the coop when it got dark, rather they kept hanging out outside the door. So now I'm thinking maybe I've been a bit dumb. Normally I'd be outside with them, it's just been so cold that I didn't...

The question is, do bad habits in chickens seem to stay or can I retrain them when I please? I like these moments right now, but I don't want to have to escort them back to the coop every night. And I might not have to as soon as the snow disappears and they have some enjoyment in wandering about, but I just haven't been in this situation before. The birds are adults and have been laying eggs for months, so they're not babies anymore. They do have a run so I can technically let them stay there for a while, however the door froze stuck in the cold weather so it's just been left open since.

 

[M-H-Fielding]

The question is, do bad habits in chickens seem to stay or can I retrain them when I please?

It depends on the habit, some habits like egg eating cannot be trained out.
I have succeeded in training most of my bird to go into their coop at night, but some are still too stubborn to train.
Try going out before dark and throwing some food into the coop so they learn to go in and stay in just before dark.

 

[Agathe]

It depends on the habit, some habits like egg eating cannot be trained out.
I have succeeded in training most of my bird to go into their coop at night, but some are still too stubborn to train.
Try going out before dark and throwing some food into the coop so they learn to go in and stay in just before dark.

They have always gone back to the coop on their own prior to this, so they know how to. But I might have to lure them back there with some treats before dark, like you suggest!

 

[Boise-girls]

Yes, I think you might have to do the tough love and treat approach.

Thanks for the laugh! I can so see myself doing this. Thank goodness I have a dog who doesn't think they should come in the house, or I might be right there with you!

 

[aart]

can I retrain them when I please?

Yes, they can be retrained....might take awhile tho.

They do have a run so I can technically let them stay there for a while,

Keep them confined for a good couple-few weeks.

however the door froze stuck in the cold weather so it's just been left open since.

Fix it now, before things get any worse.