5 tips for getting birds to a new coop in the forest?

[CabritaChicks]

I think I’ve googled so hard my eyeballs are bleeding. Anyone have tried-and-true tricks for getting chickens—just seven little mountain dwellers—to start using a brand-new coop in a perfect shaded area?

Quick backstory:

1. They’ve been living in a temporary coop while some big professional construction happened on the property.
2. The babies were literally Easter chicks this year, and the oldest of the bunch is around 16 weeks—basically goofy teenagers with feathers.
3. They’re ridiculously docile and cute, free-ranging around like fluffy little tourists who have made this property home.
4. Because of the blazing heat, they’ve decided the best spot in the world is a cozy nook under our house, where they all pile up during the hottest parts of the day. Which they dont understand the best place is in the blare-whitch forest by their new coop!
5. Did they venture down? Sure, first thing! but sleeping. Nope- they go back to the temporary coop. Have I forced the issue? no... so this is about the future where I will in fact (or may) need to force the issue).

Now, my husband and I (okay, mostly my husband, I’m the designated eyeball and encourager) just wrapping up building a stunning new coop. The only catch? It’s completely out of view from their old digs thanks to our mountain’s fun combo of elevation, thick vegetation, our home and general rugged chaos.

Every night: They march into the old temporary coop like clockwork- even after a full day of free-ranging, but this new one might as well be on Mars. I don't necessarily want to sit down there all day (nor will my health allow it!)- and the mosquitos are brutal.

My brilliant plan so far: try guiding them down there (though they only get chopped greens, no bribes like scratch—- they hate scratch, I purchased bags of it- they wont touch it!), then gently coax them in and keep them confined for a few days?

It has a small run area, but honestly... I’m kind of a chicken myself (pun absolutely intended) and love hanging out with them too much. They will be so much happier and healthier in the new coop- they just need to understand it.

I know parrots like the back of my hand—chickens, though? Total newbie here.

Question:
How many days to keep them 'locked in'?
Has this worked for others? or should I be more generous with my 'pet chickens'

Sorry for the questions, Im learning. I can run an avian clinic, but this is just a bit excess with the coop transfer.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Chickens are creatures of habit but also adaptable. They can be trained. I understand your goal is for them to put themselves to sleep in the new coop. Nothing more, nothing less. What they do during the day isn't that important.

I would leave them locked in the new coop day and night for at least a week. Get them used to sleeping in there. A week might be enough, it might not. But after a week open the run door and see what they do. If they do not return to the new coop at night, lock them in there for another week or so. Be down there at bedtime for a few days to make sure they can find the gate. I've had some totally forget about the gate they had been using all day and just walk up to the fence and not be able to go through to get to the coop. They totally ignore the gate though it is only 5 meters or so away.

Alternatively, every night at bedtime physically move them to the new coop and lock them in. As long as you are consistent every day they will eventually get the message.

We do this kind of stuff all of the time. I've had some broods catch on after one time, I've had some that it took being consistent for three weeks before the last ones figured it out.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Chickens are creatures of habit but also adaptable.

All of this was incredibly helpful—thank you so much!

It’s quite the trek down there, and I’ve basically got a month to get them fully oriented.

I just went down to check on my husband puting cetarin touches and doors on the coop and brought Suki (our goofy, chubby roo who actually loves being carried) along for the ride. My husband just shook his head and said, “Carrying that chicken again?...”

He was busy working on the coop doors. Meanwhile, Suki (marans, something leghorn, something mix)hopped right up onto one of the roost bars like he’d been waiting for it his whole life. Pretty cool chick (well, technically a guy, but close enough). Since Suki’s the ringleader, the fact that he instantly approved might save us a world of hassle. I’d much rather be overprepared than scrambling for solutions after the fact.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Question on final 'moving day':
should I just toss a tarp over the old coop?

It’s a pretty steep trek to the new coop (picture about 90 non ADA stairs that aren’t exactly kind to someone about to have back surgery next month). Carrying the chickens down there is doable — but if they decide to march right back up- and they follow me and one another...? I honestly don’t have it in me to keep shuttling them.

I’m hopeful I can work a little feather magic, but this crew is already laying and pretty fond of their current nest. trying to think it through- avoid disaster.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Question on final 'moving day':
should I just toss a tarp over the old coop?

Yes, block their access to the coop and old nests.

It’s a pretty steep trek to the new coop (picture about 90 non ADA stairs that aren’t exactly kind to someone about to have back surgery next month).

Then lock them in the new coop and run for at least a week. Since they are already laying I'd probably opt for after your surgery so you aren't tempted to hurt yourself. Let them get used to sleeping and laying down there before you turn them loose and give them options.

As long as you built more than the absolute minimum it will not hurt them to stay locked in there, no matter what they try to tell you. They lie. Once when I boarded a dog the keeper said the dog told her that she was starved, even though she had just eaten. That dog just flat out lied to her. I doubt that your chickens are any more honest!