Hello all, On Sunday I picked up 5 hens about a year and half old. I recently built a new coop and they are settling in nicely. My goal is to keep the girls free range as they were at their last home. But, I've been told that I need to keep them in their coop until the understand that it is home to them. No one has told me how long though!!!! I really want to get them familiar with the yard and I also have one pullet that I want them to get used to but they wont have interaction until they can roam free. Please help! They've been in their for two and a half days now. How much longer? Thanks! Chase
Okay. Thanks. I feel bad keeping them all locked up. The move was pretty stressful for them. the last owner had them in boxes for over 3 hours. They havent started laying again. Any thoughts on why they haven't or when they will again?
I agree on keeping them inside for a few days up to a week, Then on their first day out, make it close to dark time. They will be more inclined to go back inside, if they dont get a chance to wander too far. As for the egg laying, it may take a few weeks for them to feel comfortable in thier new home. Congrats on your new hens..and...where are the pics!?? What breeds are they!?
I got three new girls in early November that I added to my 'flock' of 4... The frist 2 nites..I closed all in the hen house at dusk.... and let them out in the AM.... then I kept everyone in the pen for the first 4 days with lots of food and lettuce... day 5-8 let everyone out to stretch thier legs at dusk.... all seems to to be doing well... still having pecking order issues at the treat bowls.... but fixed that by putting treats in 2 seperate bowls in two seperate areas of their run/yard..... the girls seems to be adjusting to each other well !!!!
