Isolation

[janichols]

Hello everyone, I just purchased four white leghorn hens yesterday. I brought them home gave them a bath with dawn "they were filthy" and put them in there coop. All four are very tame, and seem to enjoy interacting with me and my family, although they are still in their coop. I also have six cow's, two rabbits, and two guinea's that free range 24/7 on my 5 acres. I am new to owning chickens, and would like some advice on how long I should keep them locked up, as I would love to cut them loose, and let free range during the day.

 

[5SweetChicks]

I would keep them in for a week or few maybe. Then I would let them out and watch how they do. Probably let them out for a certain amount of time and then put them back, so they know to go back. Gradually get them used to your land so they know their way around and always come back to the coop when needed.

 

[janichols]

Thanks for the information, I have researched chickens for a while prior to the purchase, but that don't always prepare you for the actual hands on experience. I think keeping them up for a week or so will be plenty. By the way, I just found my first egg in the nesting box, so exciting !!!!!!

 

[donrae]

It's a good idea to keep them contained several days at least. Chickens are incredible creatures of habit and this will teach them were to lay and sleep.

When you do start letting them range, I'd start in the late afternoon/early evening. The instinct to roost at dusk is strong and will encourage the hens to go "back to bed". Once they do that a few days I'd then let them out earlier. Just keep an eye on how many eggs you're getting as they can occasionally decide they've found a better place to lay than the nest box!