Chicks in New Coop

[raypanneton]

We finally finished our coop/run and the chicks spent their first night there last night. It looks like everybody did well; however, I do not think they understand their coop. Any tips on showing them that the coop is available to them and not just the accompanying run?

 

[rayrose]

Lock them up in the coop so they'll identify it as home. Don't give them access to the run for at least a week.

 

[sourland]

Try placing the feed and water in the coop.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Lock them up in the coop so they'll identify it as home. Don't give them access to the run for at least a week.

This works well as long as the coop is spacious enough and stays cool enough inside to safely lock them in.

If it's not safe to do so, then you'll need to pick them up and put them in each night, or herd them in at dusk, until they learn.