How do I help mature hens adapt to a coop?

[AZMountainMama]

My chickens were killed by a neighbors dog, so I'm replacing them by buying mature hens that need a new home. Do I keep the hens inside the coop for a day or 2 to get them used to it, or do I allow them into the run & hope they use the coop? I am not certain what they are used to, but I know they have been in a tractor & moved about. Thanks ahead for your input !

 

[WIchickMama]

I would keep them in their coop (attached run too if you have one) for at least a week, a day or so won't be enough to reset their 'homing' skills.

 

[Ridgerunner]

There are two basic issues. Where are they going to lay eggs and where are they going to put themselves to bed to sleep. You could have issues with either of these even if they had not been in a tractor. You have two different ways you could work this.

If your coop is big enough and weather, especially hot weather, is not an issue I'd probably lock them in the coop section only for a few days. How long? I don't know, two days might be enough, a week might not work. I'd want it to be long enough that most if not all have laid an egg in there before I let them out. I don't know if they were roosting or sleeping on the ground while in the tractor. I'd feel better about letting them out if they were roosting at night in the coop instead of sleeping on the ground

You could just turn them loose in the coop/run combination and see what happens. It is certainly possible you'll be happy with the results or you may have to work to change where they sleep or lay. You never know what they will do, but I think your odds of being happy are better if you can lock them in the coop for a few days.

 

[AZMountainMama]

Thanks for confirming what I thought. Appreciate your input.

 

[Mrs. K]

If your coop/run are attached, just lock them inside that, but open the door into the run, so that they can go outside at will.

 

[ValarieF]

I keep mine in for a week.

 

[AZMountainMama]

I would keep them in their coop (attached run too if you have one) for at least a week, a day or so won't be enough to reset their 'homing' skills.

Yes I have an attached run.

If your coop/run are attached, just lock them inside that, but open the door into the run, so that they can go outside at will.

They have been really frightened and we had a bad lightening storm so I left them protected in the coop over 24 hrs. I will let them out in the run today and hopefully they will reenter the coop tonight.