How long should I coop?

[Jessimash]

I am new to the chicken scene, and am bringing home 4 hens - already laying - and a rooster on Friday. These will be free range birds. I have read that the should be kept in their coop for some time after bringing them home so that they know where they should roost at night. What are your opinions on how long? Why?

How much should I expect to feed my birds everyday while they are cooped up? They are buckeyes.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

At least 3 days/nights.
They're creatures of habit and will continue to do what they've been doing (sleeping in the same place).
They don't know the difference between a coop and a pickup truck so if you let them out, there's no telling where they'll roost.
While they're locked up, make sure the ventilation is excellent. i.e. 1 sq. ft. per bird
Buckeyes could eat as much as a half pound of feed a day. They need to have feed available free choice.
Even when they free range, if you want good production, they'll still need feed available all the time.