Moving to coop, need advice!

[FirstTimeChikens]

It's a hot one this summer in kentucky. I may be gone when my chickens first get in the coop (they are 4 weeks right now and will be 6 when I leave) Can I leave them in the coop for 6 days (9th to 15th) before giving them access to the run? Online it says minimum 3 days, but it's so hot this summer I worry I'll have roasted chickens by the time I get home, even with 3 days.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If it's hot I wouldn't lock them in the coop at all. Locking them in to home them to it should only be done in moderate temperatures.

(Caveat is if you know the coop actually stays cooler than outside then it should be ok, but that's uncommon.)

 

[FirstTimeChikens]

If it's hot I wouldn't lock them in the coop at all. Locking them in to home them to it should only be done in moderate temperatures.

(Caveat is if you know the coop actually stays cooler than outside then it should be ok, but that's uncommon.)

How else can I home them? I really want well trained chickens

 

[rosemarythyme]

How else can I home them? I really want well trained chickens

You'll need to herd them, lure them or manually put them in at night until they get used to it.

 

[FirstTimeChikens]

You'll need to herd them, lure them or manually put them in at night until they get used to it.

Okay awesome! So when the coop is done, either when they are 5 or 6 weeks old, I will put them in, herd them in at night, let them out to the run in the morning, etc. When can I start letting them wander around the yard?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Okay awesome! So when the coop is done, either when they are 5 or 6 weeks old, I will put them in, herd them in at night, let them out to the run in the morning, etc. When can I start letting them wander around the yard?

I start leaving the run door open during free range time at around maybe 7-8 weeks or so (my chicks are homed to the coop at around 4 weeks) but the chicks don't come out for a while. I let them decide when they're ready to start poking their heads out. My chicks right now (nearing 3 months old) still can't be convinced to go further than a few yards from the run.

 

[FirstTimeChikens]

I start leaving the run door open during free range time at around maybe 7-8 weeks or so (my chicks are homed to the coop at around 4 weeks) but the chicks don't come out for a while. I let them decide when they're ready to start poking their heads out. My chicks right now (nearing 3 months old) still can't be convinced to go further than a few yards from the run.

Okay! So whenever I'm ready to sit outside with them, I'll just leave the door open, if they take the opportunity, they take it, if not, I close the door! Thank you for the help and not letting me roast my chickens