First day in the run - Will they go back in the coop?

[Gamecock44]

Raised this batch of chicks in the house. Last night was their first night outside in the coop. Should I let them out into the run today and if so for how long? And two - how hard will it be to get them back in the coop? Thanks. PS chicks are five weeks old.

 

[Iluveggers]

Hi! I generally leave my chicks in the coop all day and night for at least a week. That way the understand the coop is their new house and are much more likely to go back in at night. It looks like beautiful weather where you are. If you did want to put them in the run for a bit, could you sectionoff a bit of it so they are easier to catch when you put them back up? Chasing chicks at dusk is not a fun task, trust me! You have what looks like a nice big space, so a bit trickier to chase them lol. If you do decide to let them out for a bit, I would suggest putting them on the ramp and gently pushing them toward the door each time, so they understand how to use it and where the door is.

Have fun, and good luck!

 

[WingItRanch]

I made the mistake of letting my chicks out in the run on the first day and that evening they were huddled on the ground crying. I ended up crawling around (in poop probably) trying to catch them to stick them in the coop. Not fun. Good news for me is I only had to do that once and the next evening they put themselves into the coop at dusk. Think I just got lucky, though. They could see the hens go into the big coop at night and I think they just learned.

I agree that if you have room for food and water in your coop, just lock them up in there for a while (a week is a good suggestion) so they know that's the safe place before letting them out into the run.

 

[Gamecock44]

Update - I opened the trap door. The older chicks now 6 weeks finally came out after the 4th day. I had to encourage them to get back in the coop after two hours, ie pick them up. The second day they went back in the coop on the own. The second batch of chicks have yet to venture out.

 

[Windwalker79]

Update - I opened the trap door. The older chicks now 6 weeks finally came out after the 4th day. I had to encourage them to get back in the coop after two hours, ie pick them up. The second day they went back in the coop on the own. The second batch of chicks have yet to venture out.

That is awesome they are catching on, I usually try short bursts of time until they get where home is, and the run is.

 

[Mrs. K]

You can put a cardboard box on its side in the run, at dark, more than likely they will get into cardboard box. Pick up the box, put it in the coop.

Next morning, they will come out, towards afternoon, repeat with the cardboard box. Then just leave the box in the coop. They will go back to it. May continue to sleep in it for a while, eventually making their way to the roosts.

Mrs K