What the ...! Chickens won't leave their run!

[fluffybumfarm]

So for months now since we first started free randing our flock they have been lined up 6 deep to be let out int he mornings. Yesterday, two of the 20 odd come out but went straight back in. Thought I would leave them to find their own way out as usual. As the morning progressed, still no chickens in the yard?

Went up and chased them out of their run but they just kept pouring back in!

Today, could not even tempt them out with live mealworms!!

Any suggestions????

 

[Dayrel]

Possibly they've been scared by some predator overnight and don't want to go out?

 

[chickencheeper]

They’ll be apprehensive at first, they are used to that door being a wall, it’s not something that they think they’re supposed to go through. Put one or two of the top(head) hens outside and close the door, do this everyday, eventually she’ll go out on her own and the others will soon follow.(edit: didn’t realize they have freeranged before, but the technique stays the same)

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

They have experienced some form of stressor (predator, enviromnental factor like unusual noise,etc) that has caused them to feel unsafe. Even if it was just perceived danger and has since resolved, it can take several days for them to return to their old routine. If the danger is still sensed they won't return to routine until it is resolved

 

[Meg-in-MT]

I would say something has frightened or is frightening them. Any sign of predators? Do you have dogs that bother them? Have you checked the skies?

 

[fluffybumfarm]

Thanks everyone. I had thought that they had maybe had a visit by a Fox or maybe a Hawk. I am home most of the time and have not heard any commotions but I could have missed it. It was the only explanation I had come up with. Just wanted to check I had not missed something. Thanks for your help!