how to get chickens into new coop??

[Belllane]

Hi,

I have 7 chickens and one rooster. They have been in a smaller coop since june, but now my hubby made a larger one with a light and its much nicer and bigger. (we can actually walk into it). How do we get them to go into the new coop? The girls lay thier eggs in there in the day, and free range after that. Should we close up the old coop, and if we do that will they go roost in the trees? I'm afraid of coyotes getting them. thank you for your help!!!

 

[M.sue]

Close up the old coop. Do you have a secure run attached to the new coop? If so just put them in the new coop, might have to have them on lock down for a couple of days before free ranging. If they have a run even better.

 

[Belllane]

Hi there!

there is no run, just a coop and nesting boxes with roosts, we do have a light in there too, and I thought they would automatically go in there once it got dark, but they were all freaking out gathered by the old coop because they couldn't get in. We felt bad for them so opened it back up so they could get in. I just afraid they will roost in the woods and get attacked. I think maybe tomorrow morning we will try to feed them in the new coop then close the door and keep them in for a day or so, maybe they will get the picture that this is thier new home. The rooster is a problem..he won't go in and so the girls won't either.