How to handle the first week with a new flock?

[DianeS]

I am on a mission to get my coop completed this weekend so I can finally get my (adult) chickens. Since I'm getting so close to it I want to make sure that I handle it correctly when I get them.

My understanding is that I should pick them up from whereever, transport them in dog crates with straw on the bottom, and immediately get them into the coop. Keep them supplied with plenty of food and water, but keep them shut in the coop for several days. After that, they can have their days in the run. If they don't return to the coop instinctively each night, then I didn't close them in for enough days to start with and should repeat it.

Am I missing anything about that first week or so? They will be four adult regular sized chickens. They will all come at the same time, bought from the same farm.

Anything else I should know or do? Anything that would increase my success with them later would be appreciated.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Sounds like you have it covered. This isn't brain surgery and quite frankly, chickens being chickens, we could all give you loads of advice and they would prove us wrong anyway. Chickens are like children in that way.
Relax, enjoy them, and use common sense.

 

[Dixiedoodle]

I did the same thing last yr.. Purchased all my adult chickens from the same breeder at the same time.. Since it was July when I got them and my run is completely covered, I just placed them in the coop about three hours before dark, left them in there overnight and opened the coop door the next morning and it went like clock work... At dark that night, everyone went into the coop w/ out my help.. Even the two 4 month old Marans, has gone into their coop at night w/ no problems.. Once it starts getting dark, they go into their little 'coop' and up on their roost.. from day one....

 

[DianeS]

Excellent, thank you! It's good to know I haven't been reading all the wrong information.

 

[buildingmyark]

You got this, girl! Enjoy them!