Bringing home Pullets on day 1...what to do?

[aart]

Nice coop!

What east coast are you on?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[tralfaz]

Great looking coop, we're in NJ and just got pullets last week. But didn't have a coop or run ready. The local farms are running out of laying birds and I didn't want to wait months before eggs are ready. So we are, racing to finish the coop and building it mostly with what I have laying around. It won't be pretty like yours but hopefully serviceable till this pandemic passes and I can get real supplies. One hen has already been badly pecked by the others and likely due to the cramped staging area (6x12 cage) with little to keep them occupied. I hope to get the coop done and maybe the run today for them to have more room. I've even mistakenly let a few into my garden for roaming and exploring to find them eating all my fresh shoots.

Is your run going to be adjoined to the coop?

 

[TheBlueBaker]

We have had our 8 week old hens for almost a week now and they still aren't going in on their own. I did add a night light to the inside the coop.
I did not close them inside the coop when we brought them home. Maybe it'll take a bit longer? Or should I shut them in there now?

 

[rosemarythyme]

We have had our 8 week old hens for almost a week now and they still aren't going in on their own. I did add a night light to the inside the coop.
I did not close them inside the coop when we brought them home. Maybe it'll take a bit longer?

If it's safe (temperature wise, space wise) to lock them inside, it wouldn't hurt in order to help home them to the coop. But as you mentioned adding a night light, does that mean the coop is dark inside and/or lacking in adequate ventilation? If that's the case it isn't safe to lock them in.

If you're not sure post photos of your set up plus your climate info and flock info (number of birds, breeds/sizes).

 

[TheBlueBaker]

If it's safe (temperature wise, space wise) to lock them inside, it wouldn't hurt in order to help home them to the coop. But as you mentioned adding a night light, does that mean the coop is dark inside and/or lacking in adequate ventilation? If that's the case it isn't safe to lock them in.

If you're not sure post photos of your set up plus your climate info and flock info (number of birds, breeds/sizes).

6 pullets - 2 each black copper marans, sky eggers and cross back olive eggers.
The coop is 4'x8' with plenty of ventilation. Yes the coop is dark inside at night that's why I added the nightlight.
I'm in southern California... During the day it's mid to high 70s, at night low to mid 50s. Afternoons the heavy breezes run until after sunset.
So should be just fine to close them in the coop.
Think that covers it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

6 pullets - 2 each black copper marans, sky eggers and cross back olive eggers.
The coop is 4'x8' with plenty of ventilation. Yes the coop is dark inside at night that's why I added the nightlight.
I'm in southern California... During the day it's mid to high 70s, at night low to mid 50s. Afternoons the heavy breezes run until after sunset.
So should be just fine to close them in the coop.
Think that covers it.

Thanks for giving me details. Good space for 6 birds and temperatures are moderate enough that it shouldn't give you trouble.

As far as nighttime, you want the birds to have as much darkness as possible once night actually arrives, so they sleep well. A small light at dusk can help lure them in if the interior of the coop is too dark to navigate in, but it should be turned off afterwards.

 

[TheBlueBaker]

Thanks for giving me details. Good space for 6 birds and temperatures are moderate enough that it shouldn't give you trouble.

As far as nighttime, you want the birds to have as much darkness as possible once night actually arrives, so they sleep well. A small light at dusk can help lure them in if the interior of the coop is too dark to navigate in, but it should be turned off afterwards.

I should have included that info.
The light is on a timer and does go off around 30 after the door closes (run chicken auto door).
The first morning we had to take them out of the coop and put them in the run but they have done it themselves since then. So they have one way down.