New coop....

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

so how do you get hens to know that the new coop is their home? Like do they already know it’s a home? Or do I have to lock them up in the coop for several days? When they were kids I raised them in the coop they now live in. So I’m not sure what to do. Any advise?

 

[N F C]

What has worked for many is to place the chickens in the new coop with food & water and keep them in there for a few days.

So you built a new coop? Nice! If the old coop is still available, your birds might still use it out of habit.

 

[cmom]

I agree, close them in their new coop for a few day with food and water and they will eventually learn it's their home. Every year I move birds around because I breed them so I pick out certain females to put with certain males and set up some of the coops and pens for breeding. Once in awhile when they are out they will go over to their old coop but usually go back to their new coop. They will eventually figure it out especially when they want to eat. Treats are also a good way to train them.

 

[Dr.GarryTTucker]

No I haven’t built it yet. I will be building it over the next 3 weekends. I designed the plans already. Now time to buy the lumber.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I locked mine in for 2 days. The first night after that they were a little confused but I herded them in to the new coop and shut them in. They were 100% on board with it after that.