How to move chickens to new run?

[leecey411]

I built a new chicken house with an attached run. Now I need to get my chickens, ducks, geese, guineas and turkeys to move into their new house! How do I do this? They have slept in their old run for almost two years.I want to get rid of their old runs, I am worried they won't know where to go. All help appreciated.

 

[PunkinPeep]

I would move them during the night - or any other time, but during the night might be easiest - to the new coop. And i would leave them inside the coop for a week or so. Just a few days might even work fine. During that time, don't let them outside at all. This gives them a chance to identify with their new home.

Then when you let them out, give them access only to the run you want them to use. If the old one is connected somehow, find a way to block it off.

They should then naturally go back into the coop around dusk and easily use their new area.

To further encourage them to go into the coop at night, a well timed light in the coop will also help.

Beth

 

[Cornychick]

I would move them in the evening and keep them penned up in thier new diggs for a week before you let lem free range. Also, I would cover up or remove thier old coop if possible so they don't get confused at bed time.