I just added 3 pullets who have been laying for 3-5 weeks to my existing free range, mixed age flock. I have read that in order for the chickens to realize where "home" is that they need to be confined to the coop. I have sectioned off part of the coop to keep the new girls in and the current flock can go out and free range. Anyone have experience with new chickens coming home to roost after a couple days of confinement? I've read different things, some say 4-5 days and some say leave them in for at least week. Any suggestions? They were added Tuesday after dark.
I will usually do about a week, then I will round them up at dusk if necessary, confining them for a while, with my newer chicks they will be locked up separately at night for about 6 weeks.
You might want to let the new birds explore the coop while the others are out ranging, close coop door so new birds can't get outside yet. Then put them back in their separate area before opening coop door for rest of flock.
