How long to lock up Newly purchased older hens in coop?

[ChooksinChoppers]

We just bought 4 two year old hens for a separate coop ... how long should we keep them in before they can be let out in the yard and be trusted to go back in at night?

 

[SilverBirds]

I normally keep them locked up for 1-2 weeks. That way the can get accustomed to their new living space and know that is their home.

 

[Battlepants]

Is the yard secured so they can't get out of it? If so, I would just put them in the new coop at night and let them out into the yard the next morning. Chances are they will make their way back into the coop the next night. They seem to be pretty smart in finding a safe place to sleep, which will be your coop.

If the yard is not secured, I would probably confine them for a few days just to be sure.

 

[Mrs. K]

Once an older hen has stayed in a adequate coop, mine tend to go back there. I am more of a worrier about over heating by being contained in a coop, than them not going back to the coop. My coop is attached to a run, and if yours is, that is what I would do, let them out in the day time, encourage them to go in at dark.