getting used to a new environment

[gigelus2k13]

Hello,

I just got my first two chicken (Buff Orpingtons), hatched in November 2011, i.e. mature hens.

The place I bought them from is a full-pasture egg farm, so they're used to a lot of freedom. Now they stay in my smallish coop (32sq.ft).

The question I have is: how long will it take for these hens to get used to the new home well enough that I can let them loose in the backyard?

Thanks,

Serban

 

[aggiemae]

Chickens have very small brains, we keep them shut in for two days and check on them often for the next few weeks.

 

[gryeyes]

My recommendation is a full week. Is their feeder inside their coop? That will be the big draw.... But if they learn "this is safety" in the coop, they'll come back to it at night.