[christheobald04]

hi.. i purchased 4 p.o.l. bantam about 6 weeks ago, it took them a week to settle in and start laying reguarly. how ever about 2 weeks ago i stopped shutting them up at night and subsenquently they have only lay between them about 1-2 eggs every few days and they are very reluctent to come out of their coop. they come out for a treat but go back in when they have eaten. could it be because i dont lock them up any more??

[ghost61]

Do they have a run or would they be free range?

It may be that something has scared them and so they are hiding in the coop.  Cats? Fox? Rat? Big birds?

I don't think that it's because you're not shutting them in, and I doubt if they are broody.

Can you spend time with them and close the coop once they are all out so that they stay out and have you around as their guard?

[grinling]

bantams go broody often, 10 eggs and let sit.
Do they squwark when you look inside at them or when you pick them up? If they do then broody. Keep removing from the nest box and when an egg is laid remove asap and if poss close the pop hole daytime. If free range check under bushes for eggs, mine would cause a racket if they could not lay inside. It will take a few days to break the habit and sorting out an antibroody hutch will make life easier. Once broken it can take a few weeks for them to lay again.
Always have oyster shell and grit available as well as greenery to absorb the oyster.

[christheobald04]

they do have a run attached to the coop, the run has a door which is always open allowing them to have free range of an area 12 foot by 12 foot, plenty of space for 4 bantams. after watching them today tho it seem they sta inside the small run which is dirt and they scratch at that. the larger area they have access to is all grass and it was quite long until i cut it this morning ( i thought also if grass is to long they wont venture out). they are completely closed in by 6 foot fence on three sides and trellis on other which is covered by plants so dont think anything could have scared them.... will keep an eye on them

[Sassy]

Unfortunately they may have been scared by rats or a fox. The fence even at six feet will not keep a fox out and rats can access most places. I don't know if you are in a rural area but stoats mat also be a possibility. 

[ghost61]

My set up is similar, but I'll only let them out if I am around....just in case.  My hens go bonkers if they see a cat and until recently reacted to wood pigeons too.  If they are happy in their run and prefer to stay in it, I wouldn't be concerned.  If the run is shut then they should be safe (assuming you have taken anti fox digging precautions).

If they only come out for treats, where's their pellets/mash?  I don't put food or water in the coop, otherwise I don't think mine would bother to come out either!

They could be shy little ladies......

[joyfull]

How are they doing now?