Chickens won't come into the coop on their own
Our take
**Why Your Chickens Are Playing Hide-and-Seek: A Feathery Mystery**
Ah, the joys of chicken ownership! One moment you’re dreaming of cluck-tastic mornings, and the next, you’re chasing a lavender orpington through a tangle of bushes like a detective in a fowl-themed thriller. That’s the story of /u/volcanothear, a first-time chicken keeper who’s discovered that even semi-tame chickens have a knack for turning your coop into a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek. Left my chicken run door open yesterday and caught some squatters and I just had a very bizarre Sunday both echo this sentiment, reminding us that chickens, for all their charm, are masters of evasion.
The core issue here isn’t just about a coop—it’s about trust, routine, and the unspoken language of chickens. When your feathered friends refuse to settle in, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed. But let’s be real: chickens aren’t exactly known for their loyalty to man-made structures. They’re creatures of instinct, and their refusal to use the coop might stem from stress, unfamiliarity, or a stubborn refusal to “play along.” Fake eggs, lights, and forced confinement may work for some, but for others, it’s like trying to teach a cat to use a toilet—possible, but not without a few setbacks. The real trick? Patience. Chickens, like people, need time to adjust, and forcing them into a coop might just make them more determined to rebel.
This situation also highlights the delicate balance between guidance and flexibility. While it’s tempting to shut them in all day to ensure eggs are found, that approach risks creating a cycle of frustration. Chickens are clever, and if they’re not laying in the coop, they’ll find other spots—often hidden in the most inconvenient places. The key is to make the coop *irresistible*. Think of it as a cozy vacation spot, not a prison. Adding soft bedding, treats, or even a gentle “cluck” of encouragement might do the trick. And if all else fails, remember: even the most stubborn chickens eventually realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence.
So, what’s next? The answer lies in observation and adaptability. Maybe your chickens aren’t ready for full-time coop life yet, or perhaps they’re just waiting for the perfect moment to make their move. Either way, the journey of chicken keeping is as much about learning as it is about laughter. Share your stories, lean on the community, and remember: every feathery challenge is a chance to grow. After all, what’s life without a little fowl play? Why my chicken run door opened and I caught some squatters might just be the next chapter in your coop saga.
| | First time chicken owner here! My neighbor was wanting to get rid of of his 2 chickens from last years 4-H fair so I offered to take them as I've always wanted to have a handful of layers. They are semi-tame, and my neighbor said they would put themselves up in the coop every night, but since they've been moved to our house they refuse to use the coop for laying or roosting at night. I keep having to search for them outside in the bushes around the overgrown woods surrounding our house and carry them in. Sometimes the lavender orpington avoids me and it becomes a bit of a chase through the thicket... I've tried to make this old shed outback as cozy as I can for them to be a coop as pictured, but they still won't put themselves up at night. I also have to keep them shut in the coop until after lunchtime otherwise they won't come back inside to lay in the nesting boxes. They'll just lay their eggs outside though I have no idea where as I've been unable to find them. If I keep them shut in the shed I can usually find one egg at lunch, though I feel I should be finding 2 but I don't want to shut them up all day, so I think one is still trying to lay outside. I've placed fake eggs in the nesting boxes, and they'll use the boxes when shut in the coop. I've also tried keeping a light on in the coop before dusk, but they prefer to roost up in the bushes still. Any ideas on how to get them settled and used to the coop so they'll put themselves up at night? [link] [comments] |
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