Staying Close To Coop

[6RandomBrownLayers]

Hi. My chickens have been staying within 10-15 feet of the coop, usually 5-7. Is this normal? They have been free ranging maybe 15-20 times and are 10 wks old. Is this normal and they just need to slowly explore? I just figured they would go farther. Thanks in advance!

 

[<3ChickenForever]

It's normal! Especially if they are only 10 weeks! When they get older, they'll start to explore more of your yard!

 

[6RandomBrownLayers]

Ok. Thanks.

I kinda figured that but just wanted to make sure.

They did better today.

 

[Katydid2011]

It's funny, I have some chickens that are curious by nature and want to explore everywhere while others have stayed close to the coop all their lives. That being said, I agree with the other commenter, your chickens are young and will likely venture out more as they get older and more confident. :0)

 

[Katydid2011]

And welcome to BYC!!

 

[teach1rusl]

They call scaredy-cat humans "chicken" for a reason...lol. Chickens are always afraid of change. And the HUGE world of your yard is a whole lotta' change. My newbie chicks are 13-14 weeks, and have been free ranging on our property since they were about 8 weeks. I'd say it took them almost a month before they'd venture out across our entire property, and that's mostly in the late afternoon for some reason...about an hour before roost time.

They still stick pretty close to the coop/run area most of the day.

 

[6RandomBrownLayers]

Thanks for all the positive words!