How long should I keep a new flock in before free ranging?

JustMoreFarm

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I adopted my first 9 hens today. They're all from the same flock and seem pretty content in the coop. I plan to free range them, but I'm wondering how long I should keep them in the coop so they identify it as "home base." They are the only chickens here, I'm not adding them to an existing flock where the earlier residents can show them the way home each night. How long would you recommend?
 
I personally would go at least 2 weeks, maybe 4, or until the birds seem comfortable with me, by coming for food or treats, and by their new area.
 
Do you have a run? If so, I'd keep them in the coop for a few days, then let them out into the run right before dusk, and be there to supervise them. Before doing that, get them comfortable with you being in the coop with them, and use what ever calling signal you intend to use with them when you want them to come to you. I shake some grain in a can, and call "Chickie, Chickie, Chickie." They all come on the run b/c they know a treat is coming. Do that for a few days to train them to your voice and to your call, and to the fact that your voice and call means, "TREATS!!!!" Then, when they are responding and comfortable with you interacting with them in the coop, let them out at the end of the day, and call them back into the coop at dusk (if they don't go on their own) with your scratch can and some treats. Keep them a bit hungry the first time you let them out. Then you can let them out for increasingly longer times each day until you and they are comfortable with their reactions.
 
They're pretty tame, one of the BR especially so. They come right up when I open the coop door, they are very used to getting treats! I don't have a run yet but I plan to put one together. I just need to grab some hardware cloth and staples for the staple gun, I already have the frame.
 
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