Is the old coop next to the new one? Does the new have a run attached?
If they don't come around, you may have to resort to locking them in the new coop for a few days to let them learn that this is now "home". I just opened a new section of run for mine. They love to go in there and scratch/explore, but they still go back to the "original run" to preen, perch and lounge around. Funny chickens!
Is the old coop next to the new one? Does the new have a run attached?
If they don't come around, you may have to resort to locking them in the new coop for a few days to let them learn that this is now "home". I just opened a new section of run for mine. They love to go in there and scratch/explore, but they still go back to the "original run" to preen, perch and lounge around. Funny chickens!
Ahh the way the chicken brain works.
Yep so the old coop was enclosed within a 3x2x1.5m wire fence which served as their run and the new "coop" is basically an old shed but it next to the enclosure and I plan to get rid of the old coop and use the fenced off area as their run leading to the shed.
So this is the old set up. Once I get rid of the coop that area will be their run. I just need to make a small door in the shed so they can go through.
I'll be moving the coop tomorrow evening or during the week once I have somewhere to store it or sell it even.
I just made the penultimate touches to the coop. I added a side door so they can go into the fence area where the old coop is and added some steps.
Ok so I put the ramp for them. Not sure if it's too steep for them. This afternoon I placed her on the roost and she try walk down but slid down instead lol.
So I made the door a little bigger than their old coop and the same height up from the ground but they'll now also have a to jump up to get out in the mornings. I did notice when they were trying to escape they had to try once or twice to be able to get out.
You won't believe the trouble I had getting them in there just now. They were sooooo reluctant to go inside. I would place them at the door and they'd turn around and jump out. I gave up and opened the shed/coop door to put them inside and the little buggers just jumped out the little door since I haven't put a door in yet
I peaked in and saw them cuddling up on the floor on top of the hay like the other night. If after a week or so they don't get into the roosts I'll consider bringing them lower.
I'd love to hear what you guys think of my amateur craftsmanship
And any improvements you might have it'd be appreciated
Ok so I put the ramp for them. Not sure if it's too steep for them. This afternoon I placed her on the roost and she try walk down but slid down instead lol.
So I made the door a little bigger than their old coop and the same height up from the ground but they'll now also have a to jump up to get out in the mornings. I did notice when they were trying to escape they had to try once or twice to be able to get out.
You won't believe the trouble I had getting them in there just now. They were sooooo reluctant to go inside. I would place them at the door and they'd turn around and jump out. I gave up and opened the shed/coop door to put them inside and the little buggers just jumped out the little door since I haven't put a door in yet
I peaked in and saw them cuddling up on the floor on top of the hay like the other night. If after a week or so they don't get into the roosts I'll consider bringing them lower.
I'd love to hear what you guys think of my amateur craftsmanship
And any improvements you might have it'd be appreciated
I like it - looks roomy. I think once they get comfortable they will enjoy it.
A few things come to mind - if your BO's are like mine, they are not that graceful and not fliers The ramp to the perches looks a bit steep, you may want to lengthen it or put a block under it to lessen the angle a bit. You also may want to add a block or little ramp on the inside of the doorway so they can get out a little easier.
Now, this is just me being plain nosey - do you have a way to close the pop door at night and what's the shelving rack inside for