Letting pullets out of coop for the first time

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Chickvet

Chickvet

In the Brooder
10 Years
Feb 24, 2009
12
0
22
Western North Carolina
Greetings All,

So, I purchased a coop, aquired 9 pullets (1 Brahma, 1 California White, 2 Golden Comets, 1 Barred Rock, 1 Rhode Island Red, 3 Silkies) and now I think it is time for them to be let out during the day. My problem is I don't know how to do this right and I am anxious.

I am afraid they will go missing or that I will scare them all away worrying about them. I find it hard enough catching one of them...in mass the task seems impossible.

Should I do it later in the afternoon so they won't be out too long?

Should I be present for the entire time they are outside...if so, how many days would that need to be done? (I do have a job)

Any hints on coraling them if needed?

I can't describe how much time I am spending thinking about this. The Brahma is leaping out of the coop whenever she can...I think that is a sign they need to stretch out a bit.

Is there a site that addresses how to do this properly?

Thaks a bunch,

Casey
 
Go out about a half an hour before sunset and let them out. Do you have a light source in the coop?

When it starts to get dark, they will usually head right back in.

Do this for a week and then go out earlier.

If you are going to let them free range without your supervision, you can expect to lose some.

OR you can build them a secure run.
 
Yes I have a light source. I have been keeping it warm in the coop with a heat lamp.

Outside temps at night are in the 40's daytime temps in the 50's to high 60's. I live in Western North Carolina. I worry about them being left outside overnight. If one doesn't come back do I leave the door open for her for a couple of hours?
 
If you leave the door open after dark, you are inviting predators in... best to hunt for the bird in the morning. They don't come back after dark.
 

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