Advice on Transitioning from Brooder to Coop

[North_FL_Coops]

Just FYI but you shouldn't be encouraging them to sleep in the nests, to avoid developing the habit of continuing to sleep in there once they're old enough to lay. Nests are for laying eggs and brooding, and they're past the point of needing to huddle with mama in a nest.

Good point on the nest boxes. I've closed that door and they are relegated to the roosting area only. Thanks!

 

[thecatumbrella]

Good point on the nest boxes. I've closed that door and they are relegated to the roosting area only. Thanks!

I took the roosting bars out in my mine and they sleep on the shavings. I think Omlet recommends waiting until they're 12 weeks old to use the bars, probably to protect their feet while they're still growing. Plus they love to cuddle in a pile at this age!

 

[North_FL_Coops]

I took the roosting bars out in my mine and they sleep on the shavings. I think Omlet recommends waiting until they're 12 weeks old to use the bars, probably to protect their feet while they're still growing. Plus they love to cuddle in a pile at this age!

Done!

They’ve been so adorable cuddling and playing in the run. Kinda don’t want them to grow up!

 

[thecatumbrella]

Done!

They’ve been so adorable cuddling and playing in the run. Kinda don’t want them to grow up!

I think 8-12 weeks is the best. They're moved outside and self-sufficient, but still very playful and chick-like.

 

[Appalachickens]

I took the roosting bars out in my mine and they sleep on the shavings. I think Omlet recommends waiting until they're 12 weeks old to use the bars, probably to protect their feet while they're still growing. Plus they love to cuddle in a pile at this age!

Are Omelet roosting bars different than regular ones? I transitioned my first set to their coop at 5 weeks and they climbed up the ladder on their own and roosted the first night (on the 4” side of a 2x4). They jam up together, but seem to like being up high at night. I have little roost bars (2” side of a 1x2) in the brooder and they are starting to perch on them at 2 1/2 weeks.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Are Omelet roosting bars different than regular ones? I transitioned my first set to their coop at 5 weeks and they climbed up the ladder on their own and roosted the first night (on the 4” side of a 2x4). They jam up together, but seem to like being up high at night. I have little roost bars (2” side of a 1x2) in the brooder and they are starting to perch on them at 2 1/2 weeks.

Here's what they look like:

It's more like a tray with slots in it. You'd think it would be super uncomfortable, but some of mine actually prefer to sit on the tray over the shavings. We do lay actual roost bars over the top for them in the winter.

 

[Appalachickens]

Here's what they look like:
View attachment 4138179
It's more like a tray with slots in it. You'd think it would be super uncomfortable, but some of mine actually prefer to sit on the tray over the shavings. We do lay actual roost bars over the top for them in the winter.

Oh interesting. I wonder why that design rather than roost bars? I get that it’s designed to be easily cleaned, but I wonder why not plastic (or resin or whatever it is) bars?

 

[North_FL_Coops]

Oh interesting. I wonder why that design rather than roost bars? I get that it’s designed to be easily cleaned, but I wonder why not plastic (or resin or whatever it is) bars?

I've tested my Omlet roosting rack and the chicks don't seem to care for it much. Maybe when they get a little older they will, but I'm considering building a frame with a couple of bars that will be more comfortable for them.

 

[Appalachickens]

I've tested my Omlet roosting rack and the chicks don't seem to care for it much. Maybe when they get a little older they will, but I'm considering building a frame with a couple of bars that will be more comfortable for them.

That makes sense to me. Seems like chickens are designed to sit on perches, not flat things.

 

[ReenBroo]

I'm an Eglu user and have transitioned one group. Few tips that worked for us.

- Take out the roosting rack and put bedding in the bottom tray that matches whatever's in their brooder. They like to sleep in a puddle for a few weeks anyway before learning to roost.
- When you bring them out to the pen for field trips, put them into the Eglu through the back. Give them a minute, then open the front door and let them walk down into the pen.
- Encourage them to explore the Eglu during the day. Open it up, offer some treats inside, etc.
- When the big day came, we had to literally stuff them into the coop one at a time. Two people makes this much easier. They cried quite a bit, but eventually settled down for the night. The next night, 3 out of 4 went in on their own. We had to help the last one for a couple nights, but always gave her a chance to figure it out on her own.

Don't put food and water in there. You should only shut them in if it's bed time. Like you said, the Omlet's not a traditional coop and it's cruel to keep them in there longer than they need to be.

Good luck! I'll be training myself this week with our new group.

thank you for this advice! i am stressing out about transitioning them when they get older and i have and eglu too. i didn't think locking them in there for a day seemed right. i would be terrified! i live in PA and it does get hot and i thought it would be torturous for them! i will try your technique when the time comes. thank you!