4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[MaryKate]

I have had my two girls for nearly a week now and most of the time they have been confined to their Classic run, plus a homemade extension. Both have escaped however, only once each, but on different occasions and I managed to get them back into the run without them experiencing too much FR - too early. I am wondering whether this might explain why they pace up and down their run last thing at night just before going to bed? Is this something chickens do - they look as if they are trying to get out. I have clipped their wings but it hasn't stopped them trying to take off! Has anyone any advice or similar experience? I think I have a lot to learn

[52fish]

Ours form a orderly queue in front of the Eglu Cube ladder, before hopping in one at a time. In the event the others don't follow the first one in, she comes back out to chivvy them along - really funny to watch, but alas no pacing.

[the-marks]

My two pace up and down the run looking pitiful each time they see you! If they don't see you they look absolutely fine. I haven't noticed them doing it specifically at bed time though, but I'm sure they would if I was around!

[Lavenders_Blue]

Not long after my ex batts arrived, they used to pace at bedtime, looking upwards. I think they are predator watching? It certainly seemed to be some kind of 'security' thing.

I can't remember when they stopped doing it, but I've certainly not seen them pacing at bedtime for a long while. Nowadays they are usually too busy trying to stuff down the last few beakfuls of food before bedtime!

[gongladosh]

They learn to pace when they notice you watching...

 

We have to sneak around our kitchen half of the time!

[Plum]

They are probably accustomed to jumping up to their house to roost so are looking for that, don't worry they'll get used to the eglu.

 

That or they are looking for you coming to tuck them in

[Henergy]

Mine are usually free ranging at that time of night. Just before they wander in to bed, they each do a couple of circuits of the coop & spend ages looking at the sky !!!

[MaryKate]

Thank you everyone - It's clear that they all have their own peculiar ways of getting ready for bed. I think there may well be something about looking for a higher roosting place or even watching out for predators. The first time a wood pigeon flew over the eglu, they both ducked. They hadn't ever seen the light of day when I collected them, so I guess they are still trying to find out how to survive. Silly things, they have me to do that for them. I think I am more nerotic about my hens, than I ever was about my children!

[Plum]

I was like that with my omlet girls. They used to rush into the run if a bird flew over so guess they were raised inside. Although they were really friendly they were also really nervy which made me the same way. Soon turned bombproof though and yours will

[fluffy chick]

Mine pace when they hear the back door close behind me As before they are fine if you manage to sneak up on them

[Penguin]

For ours it's definitely something they do when they know you are watching - or they might be sulking ... Baked aka Hilts is doing it right now because she's in the cooler (Eglu run) while the others are fr. It seems like a 'look at me, look at me' act to get your attention so you let them out or give them treats! They stop after a while and take themselves to bed when they know you are choosing to ignore them.

[Sammiboo]

Agnes is the only girl that paces (ex batt), even when FRing she will walk around the cube and run looking up at the cube knowing this is where she needs to be. She will then get herself to bed, usually the second one in after Myrtle which is the other ex batt