New coop help

[chynasparks]

They need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Also, it may be a good idea to leave them inside before letting them free range. Doing this will allow them to learn that this is home and then they will return to roost at dusk. It should just take a couple of days.

 

[dandan111]

Ok. I'll leave them alone. But no free range as I'm in town.

 

[dandan111]

I put some water in the coop and a little feed at the door with a dish at the end of the ramp.

 

[dandan111]

I looked in. Ones backed in the corner and the other one is in the laying box setting like a queen.

 

[dandan111]

https://www.backyardchickens.com/g/i/5941972/red-star/flat/1/u/235181

Waiting for a peek of a head..

 

[chynasparks]

Well then, if they have an enclosed run, they'll come out soon. I can't free range mine for safety reasons. Now that the cattle panel run is done, I carry them one by one to it. Their enclosed coop/run has a sand floor on concrete. So they don't get to dig up bugs. That's why we built the moveable run. Your hens will adjust. Just give them a little time. A little advice about dishes, they will scratch at them and get food tossed put, also they toss food out with their beaks. I was so frustrated at the wasted feed. I tackled this by making a gravity feeder. Not near the waste. I'm not saying to do that, I'm just saying if you have a dish on the ground, you'll see it get feed scratched out. Also, mine kept kicking dirt in the. Waterer. Finally got that took care of by putting a waterer up on a lawn mower tire. That made it high enough they don't kick dirt in it. They can poop in them too if not high up. The apparent rule of thumb is have waterer as high as their back.

 

[dandan111]

Thanks chyna. I have been thinking about a self feeder but wasn't sure. I may build one just for the heck of it. All the work on the coop,I really feel like it came together good so far. I was nervous so I only brought two birds home. I had planed on three. It looks like my laying box is to small for three birds. Maybe they will share and lay at different times?

 

[chynasparks]

There's so much about chickens lol. If you plan to get another, soon might be good idea. They may peck at the new chicken after they've become acclimated to their home. It's the pecking order thing, completely natural. I'm sticking with 4. You can search this forum about how to introduce new birds to the flock.

 

[dandan111]

Chickens came out and dog went crazy. Now what?

 

[Horseychicken]

I would just give them some time. My chickens grew up with me so I never had that problem. But maybe you should just socialize with them.. I know it sounds weird but just talk gently and move slower when youre around them, let them know oh hey this place is safe. Lol . Maybe the dogs are barking and scaring them?