new coop for my hens

[DADDYS HENS]

OK I'm nerves i put my hens in my new coop yesterday. I went out this morning and have found no eggs? when i let out the hens every one ran to old coop. I understand the move may have stressed them some but how long before they will start laying again in new coop? also I do not want to open up old coop because I'm going to be taking it down so I don't want them thinking its OK to go there to lay eggs. Am I wrong by leaving old coop shut up or should I open It so the hens will go in and lay eggs? Or is it just going to take time before they start laying in new coop.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You need to lock them in the new coop for about a week so they learn where their new home is. Chickens are creatures of habit and they will want to roost and lay in their old coop if they can at all. If you leave them to their own devices but they cannot get to the old coop, they will decide where they want to lay eggs. It will probably not be where you want them to lay.

The stress of the move can put them off laying for a while. It may be a few days or could be a few weeks. Or they may already have a hidden nest that you don't know about.