Introducing chickens to a new run and coop?

[farmerbly]

Is there a best way to introduce chickens to their new home/run/coop? New to raising chickens....I don't have a top on my run. Its about 20'x60' with a 8x8x8 coop inside. The run is 6ft tall. Will the chickens fly out when i put them in the run? Do I need to clip wings before i put them in? Suggestions appreciated.
BP

 

[Ridgerunner]

Chickens really get stuck in habits. Until they accept the new coop as home the hens will want to go back to the old coop to lay eggs. The flock will want to go to their old coop to roost. If you have room, I suggest you lock the flock in the coop section alone for a few days, maybe up to a week. That way they will come to accept the new coop as home and roost there. The hens will learn to lay in the new coop. Then you can let them in the run.

Chickens can fly over a 6' high fence, even the big breeds. It's a matter of motivation. I don't have any trouble keeping chickens in 4' high electric netting, yet I have seen them clear a 4' high fence easily when something causes them to want to, like a hen wanting to get away from an amorous rooster. They can fly really high to get to a roost. How much space they have to get away from each other makes a big difference.

Something else that can happen. If you have a top rail on the fence, chickens may fly up there just to perch. Once they are up there, they may hop down either side. Once they are out, they don't know how to get back in. If you don't have something on top of the fence for them to perch on, this does not happen. The tops of my fences for chickens are wire, not anything that looks like they could land on like a 2x4 or metal rail.

Each of us have different set-ups and conditions. Each flock has its own dynamics. I can't tell you if yours will want to get out or not. Normally I'd think a 6' high fence will work well, especailly if it does not come with a perch on top, but leave them in that coop for a few days to reduce their motivation to go lay an egg or roost in the old coop.

You can clip a wing if you want. I don't know if it is necessary or not in your specific unique circumstances, but it really, really won't hurt them. There is something up in the Learning Center at the top of this page that shows you what to cut. Wing clipping may help keep them in until they get used to their new quarters.

Good luck!

 

[Kaitie09]

I would suggest keeping them in the coop for a couple days, not letting them out. That way they know where they are supposed to go at night. After a few days I would let them out. We have a 6ft tall welded wire fence and have big breed birds. Not one of them can get to the top, and they don't even try to jump over or 3ft garden fence either. It really just depends on the bird. With that big of an area, it may be best to let them have wings in case of a hawk so that they can more easily get away from them. Only clip ones that routinely jump the fence. Also, make sure you have stuff around the yard in case a hawk decides to swoop.

 

[Sue E.]

I've read this thread but I have a question about the same subject. I have a new, small coop that will be used primarily at night. I have two Rhode Island Reds that have both started laying. I read that I should put them in the coop and leave them locked in for a few days. But where in the coop should I put them? Should I put them in the nest boxes, or just put them in the bottom of the coop and let them discover the nest boxes by themselves. I'm really new to chickens and know nothing.

By the way, I bought what I could afford. Better than nothing, imho. But I'll get something bigger and better as my finances allow.

 

[jthornton]

Just let them sort out where they want to lay until you can afford to build a better place.

JT

 

[blackdog043]

I've read this thread but I have a question about the same subject. I have a new, small coop that will be used primarily at night. I have two Rhode Island Reds that have both started laying. I read that I should put them in the coop and leave them locked in for a few days.

If you usually let them roam your yard, don't let them for a couple days or until they start laying in the nest boxes.

 

[Diane2018]

Just put my 6 R I R at 8 months old in the coop for the 1sttime how long does it take for them to adjust

 

[aart]

Just put my 6 R I R at 8 months old in the coop for the 1sttime how long does it take for them to adjust

If you have room, I suggest you lock the flock in the coop section alone for a few days, maybe up to a week. That way they will come to accept the new coop as home and roost there. The hens will learn to lay in the new coop. Then you can let them in the run.

 

[Diane2018]

Thank you they seemed to have a good night and adjusting well