VERY SPOILED how to fix

[CKNNWBEE]

Our four RIR are laying nicely and are in a bigger coop. However, when they were in smaller coop they would 'cry' to be let out to free range or go to their playpen. Now they have larger coop and don't use playpen.

They start 'yelling' for me to let them out in the morning. I don't go to their beck and call, but go out for the eggs and freshen up food. They also get random times let out to free range, and happily go back to coop. But if they hear me outside they 'scream' to be let out. How do we change this very bad (on my behalf) spoiled behavior?

 

[15shenyl]

We finally jut let my hens go in and out when they want. We let them out when we leave at 7:30AM, and they are out all day. They put them selfs to bed when it gets dark. All I have to do is shut and open the door. Our hens are very spoiled! They get treats and if they start to complaine, we sit out with them and they sit on our laps and sleep. I figure I have them and will treat them like I would the dogs and cat. Your hens could be board or just want to be with you.

 

[CKNNWBEE]

We just don't have the way to let them out by themselves. There are many hawks that soar around. Also, we have bobcats, possums, raccoons, coyotes, and of course, dogs. I don't mean 'we' own those animals, but they are frequent visitors. It is just unnerving and having to sneak around so they don't hear me is kinda crazy. One in particular likes me, but the others seem to just want FREEDOM!

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

You could just ignore them, they'll eventually get used to the new situation.
-OR-
You could pull some grass/weeds from the yard (if you have it, my grass is still icky winter brown), buy a head of lettuce/cabbage and hang it or cut it up and scatter it around (scratch works good too). Give them something to scratch thru and pick at and they should stop guilting you into letting them out

 

[15shenyl]

They could just be board and thats the reason why they want out. I agree with the above post. Give them stuff to scrach or pick at for the day. We only have hawks to really worry about, the ones nesting in our trees are best friends with the hens. They always come down and get a drink of water or sit in the yard with the hens, they have never tried to attack them, it's very strange, the hens may be a little to big for the hawks. Our cat loves to sit with the hens, they sometimes sit on the bench together and sleep. The dogs ignore them, our young dog loves the chicks but ignores the hens. We don't live where we have to constantly worry. I stress the most is if they get to the pool or figure out to use the dog door, which they almost do. We can't find a way to keep them off the patio. But give your hens something to do if they are always in the run.

 

[CKNNWBEE]

They have some radish greens, but I will get more of your suggestions. Ignoring them doesn't work. They have surprisingly good hearing and know when I am outside. I have to sneak. Even when we have company, I hush them until inside, unless they want to visit and free range with the girls. I am just about that crazy. We are going to grow grass elsewhere and then allow for a buffet!

Oh no, these hawks aren't big, but they do soar around thinking lunch. So very stressed. It would break my heart if I was negligent with them. We will get careless and then a hawk will perch on fence, feet away from them free ranging. Yes, this is why I have to stay firm.

Thank you both again.