How to introduce 7 week old chicks to coop.

[Our6chicks]

I have read mixed recommendations on how to introduce chicks to coop outside. I have read where you lock them in for a few days and have read where you just lock them in at night and let them out to the run the next morning until they get the hang of it. Which is the best way??? I had originally thought I would put them up in the coop at night and let them out in the morning. Thanks for feedback. (I have 1 Polish, 1 Buff Cochin Bantam, 2 Black Cochin Bantams and a Polish)

 

[AngieDawn]

As long as you get them in at bedtime it doesn’t matter. Some say it’s easier to train them to the coop first (provided you’re not in sweltering temps!)
I put them in the coop mid day. Then I let mine out the next day and had to get them back in the coop the first two nights but after that they went in on their own at dark

 

[Our6chicks]

As long as you get them in at bedtime it doesn’t matter. Some say it’s easier to train them to the coop first (provided you’re not in sweltering temps!)
I put them in the coop mid day. Then I let mine out the next day and had to get them back in the coop the first two nights but after that they went in on their own at dark

Great! Thank you! Did you put water in with them when you put them in mid day?

 

[AngieDawn]

Great! Thank you! Did you put water in with them when you put them in mid day?

Yes. Basically they need food and water all waking hours (when the sun is up)

 

[AngieDawn]

I should say I let them out mid day at first because they were only 4 weeks old and it was cold here. They are 6 weeks old and I let them out first thing in the morning now.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Don't know if there's a "best" way as everyone's set up and climates are different. Locking them in worked fine for me as there was plenty of space and high temperatures weren't going to be a problem.

 

[Our6chicks]

I should say I let them out mid day at first because they were only 4 weeks old and it was cold here. They are 6 weeks old and I let them out first thing in the morning now.

Oh ok. Thanks so much for your help.

 

[Our6chicks]

Don't know if there's a "best" way as everyone's set up and climates are different. Locking them in worked fine for me as there was plenty of space and high temperatures weren't going to be a problem.

They will have plenty of space (at least I think so). The coop part is about 42 square feet. And they are Bantams. Don’t take up much room. Lol. I have 3 other chicks who are 1 week old. They will be standard. (2 Orpingtons and 1 Maran).

 

[NatJ]

It's important to make sure they sleep inside the coop each night, especially in the first week or so, to be sure they form the habit of sleeping inside.

Usually, the coop is a lot bigger than the brooder, so locking them in the coop for a few days (with food and water) gives them a chance to get used to this much new space, before you open the door and let them explore the even larger run.

If you let them out into the run from the first day, you will spend more time putting them back in, on the first few days they are there. But if you're willing to spend the time to put them in at night, then either way is equally good.

If you only have a few chicks and they're quite tame, it's no big deal. If you have dozens, or if your chicks are skittish and hard to catch, then putting them back is not so easy. And if you were to let them out in a space with lots of bushes, trees, and other hiding places: finding them all could be quite difficult indeed!

 

[Our6chicks]

It's important to make sure they sleep inside the coop each night, especially in the first week or so, to be sure they form the habit of sleeping inside.

Usually, the coop is a lot bigger than the brooder, so locking them in the coop for a few days (with food and water) gives them a chance to get used to this much new space, before you open the door and let them explore the even larger run.

If you let them out into the run from the first day, you will spend more time putting them back in, on the first few days they are there. But if you're willing to spend the time to put them in at night, then either way is equally good.

If you only have a few chicks and they're quite tame, it's no big deal. If you have dozens, or if your chicks are skittish and hard to catch, then putting them back is not so easy. And if you were to let them out in a space with lots of bushes, trees, and other hiding places: finding them all could be quite difficult indeed!

That’s great ad