They won't go outside!

[bigredfeather]

For the past 2 weeks I have kept the door of the pen open for my Buckeyes to go outside and free range. THEY WON'T GO OUT! I've tried carrying them out and they come right back in. I have even taken their food and water outside for the day, where they can see it, and they will stand at the door and look at it.

Any suggestions on how to get them out to enjoy the outdoors?

 

[Big dreams]

How old are they? Do they have a run that they are in or just a indoor coop?

 

[scooter147]

if they are young they will eventually go out, chickens don't seem to like "new" things, they get comfortable with their environment.
You can always push them out and shut the door.

 

[bigredfeather]

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They are around 20 weeks old and they are currently in an indoor pen.

 

[bigredfeather]

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I did push them out several times, but I didn't shut the door. I will try that.

 

[fordmommy]

Chickens don't like new things, true. Has something happened out there that they got really scared??? Sometimes they remember bad stuff happens, such as an attack or something.

 

[bigredfeather]

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No. They have never had anything happen. They've never left the coop. The first time I let my other chickens out, they didn't hesitate at all. They ran right out and never looked back. I thought eventually the Buckeyes would go out on their own. It really puzzles me. Buckeyes are known for there love of free ranging, but apparently no one told mine that. lol

 

[fordmommy]

Maybe you should try to bribe them with their favorite food. Maybe you could show them through the door, bend down, that kind of thing. They come out...back up a little. If not...put it out there, in full view, out where they can see it. Maybe it might take a while but if they want that, they'll come and get it. (I might even try worms.) That would get them riled up. Good Luck!

 

[cmom]

Their favorite treats maybe.