New Coop Integration

[PICKSTER]

I have successfully integrated my new chick's to the adult flock. The problem is I used a kennel with a roosting bar in the chicken run to get the adults to recognize new chick's and do a proper quarantine. I need the new chick's to use the secure coop at night. For the last 3 nights I have hand carried each new chick and placed them on the roost in the coop. I have had to repeat this the last 3 nights. I live in Montana and they must be in coop for shelter due to harsh winters. What can I do to get them to go with the flock to the coop on their own?

 

[ksbkeys]

I have successfully integrated my new chick's to the adult flock. The problem is I used a kennel with a roosting bar in the chicken run to get the adults to recognize new chick's and do a proper quarantine. I need the new chick's to use the secure coop at night. For the last 3 nights I have hand carried each new chick and placed them on the roost in the coop. I have had to repeat this the last 3 nights. I live in Montana and they must be in coop for shelter due to harsh winters. What can I do to get them to go with the flock to the coop on their own?

This is very common. (In fact I even have a cartoon I have drawn in my Mabel's World book about this dilemma!)

I just keep putting them in at night and eventually they go in on their own. They are intimidated by the older hens.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. You are doing the right thing by putting them inside each night. It may take a week or longer of doing this, but eventually one will go in on her own. The others will follow either the same night or a night or two later. It takes a while to establish a habit, but they will get the hang of it.

 

[PICKSTER]

Thank you. Any idea when it might take hold? My husband suggested I shut the door on the kennel but I fear I would simply then be chasing the new chick's around the run to place them on the coop roost.

 

[PICKSTER]

Welcome to BYC. You are doing the right thing by putting them inside each night. It may take a week or longer of doing this, but eventually one will go in on her own. The others will follow either the same night or a night or two later. It takes a while to establish a habit, but they will get the hang of it.

Thank you for the answer! I'll keep on keeping on.

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!!

Our silkies have a four-day learning curve. We put a light on in the coop for them and then coral them for four days; the fifth day they seem to get it.

If you have no light in your coop, use something battery/solar, etc. and set it inside by the door.

 

[Nomadicus]

Hello and welcome to BYC. Glad that you joined this poultry loving community.

 

[muddy75]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Move the kennel into the coop.