Introducing new birds?

[linetangler]

How is the best way to introduce my new pullets to there home? I'm purchasing some Rhode Island reds this weekend and want them to be brought in the right way. They will have a coop and a nice big sized 4' fenced yard. Should I take them directly in coop an shut door? Just plop them in the yard?

 

[Den in Penn]

More information needed. Do you have other chickens? If you do, are you planing to quarantine? If you don' have other chickens then you can plop them in and close the coop door for a few days so they know that is home. If you have a run you can let them out into the run after a day or two, but don't leave them out of the coop/run for a week.

 

[linetangler]

No they are my first birds to the coop. So put them directly I'm the coop?

 

[linetangler]

 

[Den in Penn]

Just put them in. Might want to hold them in just the coop for more than a day or two with the low fence. Once they imprint on the coop they will return even if they get out.

 

[linetangler]

Even 4ft fence?? There wing feathers are clipped.

 

[Den in Penn]

Well... I'll blame my eyes not seeing it right. Four foot fence with clipped wings you should not have a problem unless they like to tunnel.

 

[linetangler]

So still hold them in coop for a few days? This is my first flock.

 

[Den in Penn]

Yes they have to imprint it as home, their safe place.

 

[linetangler]

Ok thanks