Dawnclucks22
Crowing
Hey BYC! I'm currently working on integrating my new hen into my flock. Everything is going really well and she'll be moving into the main coop soon.
I have a question, however. In my last integration process with my bantams they followed the bigger girls into the coop every night even before they were officially accepted. Right now, my newbie flies over the fence and onto our patio and roosts on top of the rabbit hutch until I put her in the coop for the night.
This would be okay except although we live in a low-predator area I'm worried about her being in such an exposed area. Because chickens don't like to move in the dark I'd prefer her to go into the main coop on her own. Right now I don't like to keep them locked in there together except at night when they're asleep - for now I've been getting up early to ensure they don't keep pecking her in the enclosed area. Is there a way I can get her to go into the coop without locking her in there?
Sorry for such a long question - any advice would be appreciated. Thanks everyone!
I have a question, however. In my last integration process with my bantams they followed the bigger girls into the coop every night even before they were officially accepted. Right now, my newbie flies over the fence and onto our patio and roosts on top of the rabbit hutch until I put her in the coop for the night.
This would be okay except although we live in a low-predator area I'm worried about her being in such an exposed area. Because chickens don't like to move in the dark I'd prefer her to go into the main coop on her own. Right now I don't like to keep them locked in there together except at night when they're asleep - for now I've been getting up early to ensure they don't keep pecking her in the enclosed area. Is there a way I can get her to go into the coop without locking her in there?
Sorry for such a long question - any advice would be appreciated. Thanks everyone!