I like the saying "you can't miss what you've never had". Before I hatched my chickens, I made a plan to never let them out, and I never have. They have only known their coop and run in their lifetimes, and the enclosed garden in the off season (I carry them to the garden and back one by one though, so it's still a controlled experience). They have never walked loose in the yard. And because they never have, they aren't scrambling to get out. Chickens are naturally wary of new things, including new spaces, and the open yard is a new, unfamiliar space for them. We have had a couple of instances where one of the kids forgot to close/lock the run door, and a chicken or two wandered out of the run. They were very funny - they looked like they got caught red handed trespassing, they were pacing back and forth along the run fence, looking alarmed and confused. I put them back in their run and that was that. They did not intentionally try to escape even after having briefly been outside. If it's chickens that are used to roaming, who have done it since young, then of course it's a habit at that point and they'd want to get back to that. But if they've never done it, then they feel exposed and vulnerable out in the open. With time and exposure, they can learn to like it of course, but if you never give them that chance, you can harness that first reaction of fear and alarm, and rest easy that they aren't plotting to get out, and aren't feeling like prisoners. Chickens like routines and familiar things, including familiar spaces. Provided that they have enough room in their run, they'll be totally fine never leaving it.quite true!I would say the same, if i didnt get guilt tripped by them 24/7. i try to let them out where we just dont sit but when i leave the door open to pull groceries out of the car and the chickens are sitting on my sofa aint no way im getting them out.
