Getting older chickens to start a new flock.

[PittMick]

A couple of weeks ago my entire flock of free range hens was wiped out by a roaming dog, owners of dog are being cited. Left open the coop door. Very powerful lesson, devastating. Live in a rural area with 4 acres of land surrounded by wooded area, bears, foxes, coyotes, birds of prey, thus I expect to loose a bird or two every year and replace them every couple of years. There is plenty of good cover for protection from above and Australian Shepherd mostly around. I wish to buy new adult birds (14-16 weeks) from a local farm but not sure how to direct them to the coop at night most important. I’ll spoil them to ensure they remain in the area. I began the initial flock with chicks I hatched.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Keeping the birds confined to the coop for 3 days ia usually sufficient for them to associate the coop as a place of refuge.

 

[KLIL]

Hello and welcome to BYC
It is best to leave them in the coop for a few days. I agree with @Pork Pie Ken 3 days should show them where their home is.
Lovely to meet you.

 

[casportpony]

Welcome to BYC! Sorry for your loss.

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC!
We are glad you joined our flock!

This video will help you learn how to navigate this site:

Coop Ideas:
Chicken Coops

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[FrankieDoodle]

Welcome to BYC!!!

 

[Susan12]

I keep new chickens locked up for four or five days.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Thanks for joining us!

 

[Flockandfowl46]

Sorry for your loss. Im glad you joined us

 

[drumstick diva]