They wont come out.

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

Well that is not entirely true. But I think they prefer to be in the coop rather than the run.
Sure, it's been rainy. Thunderstorms and all that fun. But I was hoping to see them out and about enjoying being out doors finally. They just went out last weekend. At nearly 8 weeks old. You would think the fresh air and room to run would be "it" But every time I go out there to visit they are inside. So I go into the coop to hang with them.

Are they afraid of the BIG outdoors? Too much for them you think?

Will post pics a bit later. I have to run out and see the girls again.

Shed hen house with attached run. Yes that is a tiki torch and yes I have emptied the pool.

The door to the run. I know that Audrey, Mae and Olivia are in that picture. I "think" Ingrid/Humphrey is as well.

View looking down the run to the coop

View from my porch looking South

There is no "grass" in the run. Its under some oak trees and a pine. Very shaded. When we get the stockade fencing they will be allowed to free range now and then, but for now they are in the run.
So far the neighbors, that we didnt tell about the girls, havent said a word. There is little chance that they havent noticed.

 

[belibutn]

We found that a great way to get the girls outside is to toss a handful of pine bedding into the coop. That gets them out real fast

. Other things you could try to get them out more often is put out scratch into the run, or greens, veggies like melon rinds or something like that. Before we moved them outside, though, permanently we took them out and put them in the tractor regularly. It just might take them time to get used to it.

Until they do, try moving them and their food and water out of the coop and shutting the doors to keep them out for a little while. Once they realize that the green stuff on the ground won't eat them they should be fine.

 

[CarlaRiggs]

You might also put a roosting board in the run. They may be more likely to take a little siesta on that instead of going back inside. And as mentioned, move the water/feed outside. You can also go so far as to lock them out of the coop for the day!

If they've become used to staying in the coop because of rainy weather, this might be inprinted on those itty bitty pea-brains. Forcing them to stay outside during the day may help to want to stay in the run.

Carla

 

[ams3651]

i threw a grape inside the coop from the chicken door, they are a favorite. Well one found it and the others saw me dropping more in the run and wanted their share they all squeezed out and practically made a pop to get out. it did take them a couple days to want to come out alot and even now if its windy or rainy they may stay in. they also dont like the bright sun, i had to put a tarp over half the run and they like that area most.

and as mentioned, i moved their water outside permanently, it gets them out and its easier for me to fill and really cuts down the pooping in it and roosting on it as was an issue.

 

[willowtreecreek]

I have a setup like yours. My girls hid inside for several weeks before they started spending most of the day outside.

 

[rooster-red]

Just give them a little time, then they'll not want to go back in!

 

[Firefyter-Emt]

BTW, I would add much more to secure that hardware cloth. I see some areas that an animal can push thru, plus it will keep you from getting scratched on it.

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

Quote:
Yeah. Ran out of battery power on the cordless drills. Guess what dh is getting for Christmas. Grrrrr
First few boards were literally hand cut with no power saw. And since nearly all our neighbors are elderly. No one has power tools we can borrow. We will be out there again this weekend, working some more and then taking a break to go school clothes shopping.
Luckily the yard is also fenced in. And all but one neighbor keeps their dogs fenced in. The cats, for some reason cant figure out how to climb over the fence we have around the yard.
Oh and I am thinking of putting up a strand or two of electric(run off the solar charger I have) Cant decide if I should run it around the fence or the coop/run. Thoughts??