Moving part of the flock

[cajun1]

My flock, 9 weeks old, 29 of them, are still in the coop that I put them in from the day I got them. I have now built a new coop and need to seperate some of them into the new coop. I was wondering about the best time of day or night to seperate them? Also, the new coop has a watering nipple system which the girl's are not use to. I know I need to see if they take to the new system, so my thoughts say to move them in the daytime. Another question, once I seperate them, do I need to keep them locked in the new coop for a few days or can I allow them to use the new run also? Thanks

 

[Judy]

I think I would make the move at night despite the nipple system, expecially if you can be out there pretty early to check on them. Chances are they will catch on quickly, and they should also learn from each other. Hopefully if they wake up in the new coop they will already feel at home to some extent at that point.

I read on here fairly often about locking them in the coop to teach them where home is. I don't see any reason to do that if they live in a run. It only makes sense to me if they free range -- and even then, I don't believe I would do it, myself. I would also be very hesitant to lock chickens in a building in the summer, because of the heat. They can warm up a building with their bodies in no time.

 

[cajun1]

I think I would make the move at night despite the nipple system, expecially if you can be out there pretty early to check on them. Chances are they will catch on quickly, and they should also learn from each other. Hopefully if they wake up in the new coop they will already feel at home to some extent at that point.

I read on here fairly often about locking them in the coop to teach them where home is. I don't see any reason to do that if they live in a run. It only makes sense to me if they free range -- and even then, I don't believe I would do it, myself. I would also be very hesitant to lock chickens in a building in the summer, because of the heat. They can warm up a building with their bodies in no time.

Thank You, I really appreciate your reply, but I had to make the move in the daylight. 29 chickens in a coop that was built for 10. The day is rather hot, so I needed to thin that coop. I am keepng an eye on them, (I have them on camera) and they have settled down and are starting to roam the new coop. A few have spotted the water nipples, but haven't tried to drink yet.

 

[Mrs. K]

you might keep a supply of water the old way too for a bit til they find the nipples. In extreme heat, it is important to have water.

 

[cajun1]

you might keep a supply of water the old way too for a bit til they find the nipples. In extreme heat, it is important to have water.

I've watched them alot today. They would look at the nipples but thats all. I finally showed them that water came out of the nipples and applied a little peanut butter to the nipples. They have the idea now ...