Moving to a new coop

[jude_anne]

We're new at this, and getting ready to move our chickens to their permanent coop. We're using our "sugar shack" for a chicken coop. Up until now, we had the chickens housed on our screened in porch and they free ranged around the house, staying close. The new coop is about 200 feet away, down the hill, and behind the garage. My question is do I keep them in their new coop for any length of time before allowing them to go out and forage? And if so, how long? Will this be a stressful time for them? Is there anything we can do to help them with their transition? Thanks so much for your help! Judy

 

[joletabey]

Yes, you need to keep them in for a few days in order for them to get the idea this is home, especially if they don't have a fenced in run- just make sure they have their food and lots of water in there, and maybe if you can visit them a lot with treats. . . . then the first time you let them out, stay with them for a while. Do you want them to free range only by the new coop? Or can they go back the where they are used to being?