So, it came that time to replenish the hen flock as they were getting older and the egg production is dimming. 25 hens and 15 eggs per day. Put the order in for 25 more chicks and they arrived in March. A very colorful group which is what we wanted to brighten up the yard. The older (senior) hens are all ISA browns.
Here is the problem.... the new chicks now 18 weeks old will not leave the coop. When they were big enough to go outdoors the coop was split in half with plastic fence and they had their own manual door to get out in the run. I opened the door and they go out. At night they go in and I close the door. Now with the dividing fence down, the chicks will not go out the automatic door with the senior girls. They just sit on the window sill and look at the fun chicken activities taking place in the sun.
I am so frustrated now, I don't know what to do. Any suggestions? Or am I being too impatient and the young ones will eventually figure it out.
Here is the problem.... the new chicks now 18 weeks old will not leave the coop. When they were big enough to go outdoors the coop was split in half with plastic fence and they had their own manual door to get out in the run. I opened the door and they go out. At night they go in and I close the door. Now with the dividing fence down, the chicks will not go out the automatic door with the senior girls. They just sit on the window sill and look at the fun chicken activities taking place in the sun.
I am so frustrated now, I don't know what to do. Any suggestions? Or am I being too impatient and the young ones will eventually figure it out.
