4 1/2 weeks old today, integrated and on their roost.

[Tooshay89]

I kind of like to 'train' them....close coop off to adults and 'chase' chicks back and forth thru the tiny doors, to make sure they know how to get back inside the 'safe place'.

My set up is basically just two panels sitting on long screws on the poop board. Maybe if I remove one of the panels I can somehow get them to come out and then chase them back in.

 

[blackdog043]

What @aart said, I do the same thing. This brood got the panic doors down real quick.

 

[aart]

My set up is basically just two panels sitting on long screws on the poop board. Maybe if I remove one of the panels I can somehow get them to come out and then chase them back in.

Might want more than the 1 tiny door...I have 3 across 6' wall.
How do you get in there to do feed, water, etc?

 

[blackdog043]

My set up is basically just two panels sitting on long screws on the poop board. Maybe if I remove one of the panels I can somehow get them to come out and then chase them back in.

Yes, I would remove the one panel and maybe use cardboard so they can't get past the door. Then guide them towards the door. I would add three more doors, just like the one you currently have. (writing this as aart posted) I'm thinking she takes a panel down, to add food and water.

 

[aart]

I actually put up a piece of mesh to for 'first training'.....
... can walk into my brooder area, but did lure them out with some chick scratch.

 

[Tooshay89]

Yes, I would remove the one panel and maybe use cardboard so they can't get past the door. Then guide them towards the door. I would add three more doors, just like the one you currently have. (writing this as aart posted) I'm thinking she takes a panel down, to add food and water.

You're right, the panels aren't permanently attached, just sitting/hanging on screws and lift right off to clean/change out food and water. There's a second hole all the way to the right, but you can't see it in the picture. It's a 4" gap between where the panel ends and the end of the coop. Should I add 2 more?

I've seen them go right up the the hole, look at it, and run back towards the back of the brooder.

 

[aart]

You're right, the panels aren't permanently attached, just sitting/hanging on screws and lift right off to clean/change out food and water. There's a second hole all the way to the right, but you can't see it in the picture. It's a 4" gap between where the panel ends and the end of the coop. Should I add 2 more?

I've seen them go right up the the hole, look at it, and run back towards the back of the brooder.

Ya know what you could try... is moving the screws up so there's a ~3"gap all along the bottom of panels, then they can get in and out all long the 'wall'. Have seen that work well.

 

[Tooshay89]

Ya know what you could try... is moving the screws up so there's a ~3"gap all along the bottom of panels, then they can get in and out all long the 'wall'. Have seen that work well.

You're a genius! I'll move it up tomorrow morning and see if they venture out.

 

[aart]

You're a genius! I'll move it up tomorrow morning and see if they venture out.

Hardly!
Wasn't my idea...hopefully they'll hang ok.
Let us know how it works out!

 

[blackdog043]

I've seen them go right up the the hole, look at it, and run back towards the back of the brooder.

That's chickens for you. When they first come out, don't expect them to venture to far. Mine take baby steps, in how far the go from the brooder. It's a different world to them, outside there safe place.