Moving chicks outside...to coop? Coop and run?

[MonicainAZ]

Hi all, happy Halloween! I have a question. My babies are old enough to move out of my garage and into their permanent digs. I've read that you should put them in the coop for a few days so they know where home is. Does that mean I should shut them in the coop and block access to the run? Or should they have access to both? The coop is 4ft X 4ft and the run is 4x12. They are about 6 weeks old.

 

[cavemanrich]

No need to imprison them. Put them into coop for the night. Next morning, just open the door to run and that is all. Not sure where you keep water and feed. They will exit and explore. In the eve, some will already go into coop by themselves. Those that are outside , just place them into coop and close door. Do same next day. In no time chickens will have routine down pact. Let us know how it goes .

WISHING YOU BEST

 

[Miss Ameraucana]

Hi, you should let them have access to the coop and the run as long as their alone. If u have older birds keep them in a cage so they can get used to each other til their the same size. Also, keeping them on medicated starter chick food is wise. Too much calcium in the layer feed ffor babies it can damage their kidneys. Also they need to build up some immunity to the organisms in the ground if they have never been exposed. Then there's the temp factor. Just. Some stuff to think about. Hope this helps!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Hi all, happy Halloween! I have a question. My babies are old enough to move out of my garage and into their permanent digs. I've read that you should put them in the coop for a few days so they know where home is. Does that mean I should shut them in the coop and block access to the run? Or should they have access to both? The coop is 4ft X 4ft and the run is 4x12. They are about 6 weeks old.

Will they be the only birds out there? If so, let them have at it, giving them access to the coop and run -- if not, there is the issue of integrating them into the group of older birds that is already there.

 

[MonicainAZ]

Thanks all! They are my only chickies so there's no need to worry about integration with other birds. I'll just let them have the run of the place!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Be prepared to help them learn about going in to roost at dusk. Broody raised chicks would learn from hatch by following mama. ....brooder babies usually need submama (you) to teach them. One common cause is they are so busy playing that by the time they think about going to bed is pitch black inside the coop so they wound up sitting in the run crying