4 New 14 week olds won’t leave the coop

[Breeze73]

We did the place in the roost at night introduction which we have done before. We have been free ranging all the chickens in the evening at the same time so they have seen each other with minimal interactions for about 2 weeks. We usually keep the chickens in the run for 3 days so the new chickens integrate. Well the new additions won’t leave the coop willingly. We have taken them off the run and put them out in the run so they are atleast eating and drinking and then they come back in and roost for the night but we have to move them to get them out there. This is day 3 and I am concerned that they are not going out on their own. Should I not throw them out there? Should I let my chickens out to free run like normal? Just want to make sure they go back into the coop if they even leave the coop. Suggestions are greatly appreciated. Right now in our coop / run all together 7 baby chicks with their momma, the 3 new pullets, 1 new rooster and 9 other hens. It’s a large run and coop with a lot of room 3 feeders and waterers. A tree branch for them to escape to and a roosting bar.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Any photos of the run? It sounds like you have some clutter but not a lot, which would be especially helpful during integration.

 

[Raubkatze]

Let me know if you figure out a solution. Mine have been outside with the adult hens for a couple of months now and they still prefer to stay in the coop if the adults are in the run. Once the adults leave, they will leave, but if it's a day where I can't let them out to free range, they stay in the coop all day.

 

[Breeze73]

Any photos of the run? It sounds like you have some clutter but not a lot, which would be especially helpful during integration.

Our run is 16x10.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I assume the flock normally free ranges during the entirety of the day? Not sure if that was a photo taken during cleanout but all the random "stuff" around the outside could go into the run to help break line of sight within the space, as I see some clutter in there but nothing big enough to provide the type of cover the pullets might want to feel safer around the others.

 

[Breeze73]

I assume the flock normally free ranges during the entirety of the day? Not sure if that was a photo taken during cleanout but all the random "stuff" around the outside could go into the run to help break line of sight within the space, as I see some clutter in there but nothing big enough to provide the type of cover the pullets might want to feel safer around the others.

Most of that clutter I had taken out to make more room. After 3 days of being together of which 2 I threw them out in the coop they have all seemed to work fairly well together and my little rooster is getting quite a following already. I have since allowed them out to free range and I do still have to show them the way back in it is mostly uneventful. Thank you for your help