Introducing 2 new hens to a new flock

[Jgrice]

Hi there.
I’m a brand new chickens owner and I bought two laying hens a week ago. They have adjusted to the hen house (which is inside a 10x10 run) and are doing great! However, I introduced two new laying hens yesterday and both last night and tonight I’ve had to physically put them in the roosting area inside the hen house.
The hen house has a ramp going into the roosting area.

any tips on how to get them used to using the ramp and going into the hen house? Should I lock the new girls in the hen house for a day or two?

 

[sourland]

It can take chickens a bit of time to figure out how to use a ramp. The problem is not in the house it has to do with the ramp. Ducks can be even worse to educate about ramps.

 

[Jgrice]

It can take chickens a bit of time to figure out how to use a ramp. The problem is not in the house it has to do with the ramp. Ducks can be even worse to educate about ramps.

Should I just continue physically putting them in the roost area?

 

[sourland]

I'd do that by putting them partially up the ramp and allowing them to enter the coop on their own.

 

[Jgrice]

I'd do that by putting them partially up the ramp and allowing them to enter the coop on their own.

Good to know, thanks. I’ll try that.

 

[aart]

Hi there.
I’m a brand new chickens owner and I bought two laying hens a week ago. They have adjusted to the hen house (which is inside a 10x10 run) and are doing great! However, I introduced two new laying hens yesterday and both last night and tonight I’ve had to physically put them in the roosting area inside the hen house.
The hen house has a ramp going into the roosting area.

any tips on how to get them used to using the ramp and going into the hen house? Should I lock the new girls in the hen house for a day or two?

The new ones may not be going into the coop because the existing ones won't let them due to territoriality issues.
Are they fighting at all?
A separate roost might help.....
...so might pics of your coop, inside and out.

Oh and..... Welcome to BYC! @Jgrice
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