Chicks in new coop. How long to keep them in the run?

[Chamelle]

My 8 wk old chicks spent their first night in the real coop. They've been free ranging in the backyard for a few weeks now, putting themselves to bed in their brooder every evening. The brooder has been inside my sunroom, and the chicks have been able to come and go as they like.

I'm wondering how long I need to keep them enclosed in their run before I can let them out to free range and expect them to put themselves to bed in the new coop?

Thanks!

Chamelle

 

[chickflick]

I would keep them in the run for at least a week and see how it goes. By then they shoud know where home is. If it doesn't work, you know you have to do it a bit longer.