Help - new chicken mama

[Andrea4858]

hi all- I have recently purchased a hobby farm with some historic chicken coops. I have a new flock of about 25 birds, that I got as chicks about 5 weeks ago. With no mama to show them the ropes, how do I teach them to come back in the coop at night... I’ve got them out in a small yard today, and I’m nervous that I’m going to have to chase them to catch them all and get them inside tonight. Thanks in advance!

 

[Chicka_deee]

Can you post pictures of your coop set up? Also you could put a strong light in the coop so they can see it through the door, it asks like a heat source and they’ll probably want heat because they are still a little young but don’t really need it.

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC! When I introduce youngsters to their new coop, I lock them in it for at least 2 days and 2 nights. Sometimes 3. Then they see it as their home, and want to return. They go in automatically when the sun begins to go down.
Good luck, keep us updated!

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Welcome to BYC! When I introduce youngsters to their new coop, I lock them in it for at least 2 days and 2 nights. Sometimes 3. Then they see it as their home, and want to return. They go in automatically when the sun begins to go down.
Good luck, keep us updated!

I disagree with this.

I think it would make them scared to go in and out after you let them out after the 2 or 3 days in there. They would think they would be locked in every time. It makes them feel, 'not at home'.

 

[SueT]

I disagree with this.

I think it would make them scared to go in and out after you let them out after the 2 or 3 days in there. They would think they would be locked in every time. It makes them feel, 'not at home'.

This is generally what is recommended here on BYC. And it has worked for 5 batches of my own chicks. Each batch gets moved from a brooder that has become too small for them. The new area in coop is spacious and they have all reveled in this luxury. They have their familiar food and water containers, and each other. They have never been outside. So after 2-3 days in the new coop, I open the door into their run. They all carefully orient themselves so they can find their way back in, and they practice doing this. Then they revel in the great outdoors. I have never had chicks that did not want to go back in. (each batch was about 5 weeks old at moving time.)

 

[cluckmecoop7]

This is generally what is recommended here on BYC. And it has worked for 5 batches of my own chicks. Each batch gets moved from a brooder that has become too small for them. The new area in coop is spacious and they have all reveled in this luxury. They have their familiar food and water containers, and each other. They have never been outside. So after 2-3 days in the new coop, I open the door into their run. They all carefully orient themselves so they can find their way back in, and they practice doing this. Then they revel in the great outdoors. I have never had chicks that did not want to go back in. (each batch was about 5 weeks old at moving time.)

Makes sense. But I still don't think it is a good idea.

 

[Andrea4858]

I have had them in a brooder box for about 4 weeks. For the last week they have been loose in the coop. The building is about 10x15 with an attached yard about 20x15. Today I have them out in the yard - with supervision. They are having a field day

 

[Andrea4858]

I don’t have a covering over the top of the yard and have been very nervous of letting them out, as we have a pair of bald eagles down the street and plenty of hawks and owls and raccoons nearby.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I have raised mine like a puppy since they were old enough to have treats and grit. Shake the bag and call them.

 

[15WildTurkey]

The first night I moved my flock out to the coop/yard. I waited and watched them at dusk. They all piled up in a corner of the run to go to sleep. I went out, scooped them up one by one and put them into their coop. The next evening they put themselves up. One needed help. It that was it. Ever since they roost at dusk.