They prefer to be INSIDE the coop????

[FiddleChics]

I am new to this - and this is my first group of 9 week old little darlings (the chicks). They went outside 4 days ago for the first time, to their new coop. They have a 6x14, covered, safe run, and a coop that sits over part of the run. I put interesting things out there for them as well as their food & water, yet... they all end up running INSIDE the coop. The weather's been lovely... so I'm not sure what to do... Should I close the 'chicken door' and make them stay outside? Or do I let them go in / out if they want & feel secure? TO me... if it were my kids... I'd say "It's a nice day - GO OUTSIDE & PLAY!!!!" But... if they feel secure inside especially in this new stage - should I let them? They all come running out in the AM when I go & let them out. They eat & drink, and I helicopter forage as I'm working out in the yard & garden... and they love that... but... they're hanging out inside? I don't know if that's ok? Any ideas what I should do?

 

[Zinjifrah]

If it were me, I'd let them go inside if they want. It's a big, scary world. A little bit of security to make them feel safe, and to cement in their little brains that the coop is safety, so they should always come back to it. Don't have to worry about the chicks sitting around playing video games or watching tv and rotting their brains away!

 

[featherhead007]

You answered your own question. Let them decide, they will!

 

[Chickassan]

They are kids, let them do as they please "they're going to anyway".

 

[featherhead007]

Inside the coop! is nice yes?

 

[FiddleChics]

If it were me, I'd let them go inside if they want. It's a big, scary world. A little bit of security to make them feel safe, and to cement in their little brains that the coop is safety, so they should always come back to it. Don't have to worry about the chicks sitting around playing video games or watching tv and rotting their brains away!

I think that's what I needed to hear... I want them to be happy & secure...

 

[FiddleChics]

Inside the coop! is nice yes?View attachment 1374867

It is! I have lavender so it smells good, and it's clean & neat... Beautiful chickens you have there!

 

[featherhead007]

It is! I have lavender so it smells good, and it's clean & neat... Beautiful chickens you have there!

I spend a lot of time in that shack I restored! 10 hens and 1 crazy rooster as company!

 

[CannedMonster]

They just need to get used to their new surroundings. That can take a bit of time for chickens as they are a prey species and instinct tells them to be cautious.
They’ll be out there before you know it.
I purposely took mine outside in a dog play yard as soon as the weather was warm enough when they were 3 weeks old.
They’re almost 6 weeks now and can fly up to the top so I started putting them in the big girls coop after the older girls are done laying.
We’re not quite done building the new coop yet so they only get day trips.
But it’s good for them to be outside and explore the run and get used to where they’ll be living until they integrate with the older birds.

 

[featherhead007]

They just need to get used to their new surroundings. That can take a bit of time for chickens as they are a prey species and instinct tells them to be cautious.
They’ll be out there before you know it.
I purposely took mine outside in a dog play yard as soon as the weather was warm enough when they were 3 weeks old.
They’re almost 6 weeks now and can fly up to the top so I started putting them in the big girls coop after the older girls are done laying.
We’re not quite done building the new coop yet so they only get day trips.
But it’s good for them to be outside and explore the run and get used to where they’ll be living until they integrate with the older birds.
View attachment 1374933 View attachment 1374934

Waaaah, look at those chickens!