Moving the chickens from the garage to their new coop

[JND3147]

Hello! This my first post,and more than likely the first of many to come. I am wondering what is the best way to introduce/move my flock to their new coop. I have 13 chickens, a mixed bag of breeds; black sex links, americaunas, a couple of "I'm not sure what they are's", and two jersey giant roosters. They have been in the garage since they were chicks. They are now 5 months old. The coop is 10' x 10', and they free range. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[gmrt77]

I moved mine when they were just 8 weeks. Use a good treat, and they will follow. Mine learned right away how to use a ladder to get into the coop. The are smart animals, they will learn right away. But that's help kids. Also welcome. I'm new here too. I hope you enjoy your girls. They are fun.

 

[Den in Penn]

Welcome to BYC.
At five months they are more then ready to move to the coop. If you have no other chickens already in the coop it is just a simple move them all at once. When you first move them keep them locked in the coop for a week to let them imprint on the coop as their home to go to at night.

 

[JND3147]

Thanks Den. I had heard leaving them locked in for anything from 2 days to 2 weeks. 2 days seemed a little short, and 2 weeks seemed excessive. They're all in ow and so far egg production hasn't suffered. They are doing quite well and seem to be happy.

Jeff