i somehow acquired 2 runaways and i have questions. please help

[BDutch]

also! would it be better to build a better coop and give them time to get used to it before bringing in new ones?

I would build a new coop and put the new ones in there. That way there is not so much (way less )territorial behaviour to be expected. If the new coop is better the other two probably join one day.

Keep the old coop. A second coop is always handy if you have a broody or a sick chicken.

 

[RoyalChick]

Keep the old coop. A second coop is always handy if you have a broody or a sick chicken.

Very true.

 

[pollipazzi]

Sounds like procrastination to me!
Life with chickens always involves needing more chickens and constantly improving their accommodations!

i just want to be smarter about it than what happened the first time

 

[pollipazzi]

I would build a new coop and put the new ones in there. That way there is not so much (way less )territorial behaviour to be expected. If the new coop is better the other two probably join one day.

Keep the old coop. A second coop is always handy if you have a broody or a sick chicken.

i will keep the old coop. the farm show is in august.
i was hoping to build a new one very soon and put it where the old one is. have a little time for them to get used to it. then put the new ones in the old coop with the little run, so they can see them and stuff. maybe your suggestion is better.

how long does it usually take for them to get used to a new coop. i was reading that it can be stressful for them?

 

[pollipazzi]

also! neighbour friend spoke to original chicken guy (i feel like i should call him colonel sanders but maybe that's not appropriate)
turns out he does have a rooster. and he got thelma and louise at the poultry sale we went to a few weeks ago. with the lonely little rooster.
that one happens once a month, i believe. but i think it is best to get there super early. and prepared! lol!

 

[RoyalChick]

i will keep the old coop. the farm show is in august.
i was hoping to build a new one very soon and put it where the old one is. have a little time for them to get used to it. then put the new ones in the old coop with the little run, so they can see them and stuff. maybe your suggestion is better.

how long does it usually take for them to get used to a new coop. i was reading that it can be stressful for them?

I have only traded out a coop once and it was a big upgrade. I feel like mine were in the ‘finish it already we are all packed up and ready to move’.
Don’t remember them needing any time to get used to it!
I have read lots of posts on BYC where people say to keep them locked in for a few days or even a week so they know where home is.
But my sense is that is more about not getting lost when free ranging rather than feeling settled in new accommodations.
Sorry, can’t help more than that.

 

[pollipazzi]

I have only traded out a coop once and it was a big upgrade. I feel like mine were in the ‘finish it already we are all packed up and ready to move’.
Don’t remember them needing any time to get used to it!
I have read lots of posts on BYC where people say to keep them locked in for a few days or even a week so they know where home is.
But my sense is that is more about not getting lost when free ranging rather than feeling settled in new accommodations.
Sorry, can’t help more than that.

that does help! i won't lock them in. i learned my lesson. they do seem happy with the run so i don't know if they would have trouble with a new coop. this one has seemed to become their little safe house.