New COOP...what to do?

[CityBredCountry]

Hi,

This is our first flock. We started out with what we called a mini-coop for the last few months. But I have just built them a much larger, coop for them and it was hard getting them in there last night. I have 30 chickens and enough space for 62.

From what I can see, I keep them in there for a couple of days, they have plenty of food and water. But wanted to check experience.

Do I keep them in there for so many days? Do I cover it up and make it dark?

 

[chicmom]

Hi there! My coop has an attached, fenced in chicken run, so I do keep them locked up, but they can come out of the coop into their run.

Do you have an attached, fenced in area?

 

[CityBredCountry]

Ours are free range chickens. No fenced in area

 

[aart]

Might be good to lock them in for a couple days.

Close off all access to the old coop and let them out an hour or so before sunset to range, they won't go far in an hour and watch their behavior as to going back into the new coop.

Good Luck!

 

[CityBredCountry]

Here is the new coop that I just finished. The old coop is next to it and I want to use it for newer chickens that we will be getting in spring.

They have been in there for 2 days now and I just let them out this morning for the first time. The old coop is closed off and I am hoping that they will come back inside a little later I'll entice them with some bread or something.