New coop

[Wolfie2]

Got a new coop but the hens won't go in it. I have 10 mature hens and it is in a 16 X 32' run with the old coop still inside.The old coop was definitely not weather-tite and was on the ground so they got muddy when it rains. The new one is elevated with a wooden floor. They have been in the old coop since young.
The new one has been up for 3 days. Hung their food in it. Second day I put 3 to bed in it and they ran out as soon as the door was opened the next morning, food untouched. Yesterday eve I put 3 more to bed in the new coop with same results. Am I gonna have to remove the old one before they will re-locate?

 

[21hens-incharge]

You will need to remove the old coop and still put them ALL in the new one at dusk. It will take a few days or more before they accept the dramatic change.

 

[Wolfie2]

Can I just shut the old one up so they will be forced to seek new quarters?. Didn't really want to remove the old one until they had re-located.

 

[Wolfie2]

Bad part: I start a week of night shift so I won't be home to force them into anything until after. I go to work @ 4 pm.

 

[21hens-incharge]

You can try.....but they will likely wander around it looking for the way in and end up sleeping outside....

You will need to remove the old coop or they won't re-locate.

 

[Wolfie2]

Thanks, 21hens, for the quick reply

 

[21hens-incharge]

You are welcome.

It is still early in the day. Others may come in and offer ideas from their experiences.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Also (depending on how large the new coop is) I'd consider locking them in the new coop for a few days, so they home to it. I locked mine in for 2 days when we got a new coop, and since it was plenty spacious inside there weren't any issues. The first night out after that they were still confused but they've used the new coop since then without issue.

 

[Cryss]

They don't know that this is their new home! Just as yoi do when starting with new birds in a strange new home, put them inside with food amd water. Lock them in, maybe even a week. You're not only teaching them this is home, you're breaking them from the old coop. Remove food and water at bedtime. After a week let them out. Keep the old coop locked so they can't go inside. If they don't go back in at night you might need to repeat the lockup. They will begin to feel secure and safe in there and seek its solace at night. After a while you may be able to open the run portion of the old coop for more run room, but don't let them in the coop area, close off the pop door. This old coop can be used for a hospital or a separation jail or broody nest when needed. I have one I did that with.

 

[Wolfie2]

Maybe good news! Locked them all in on Thursday night. Friday @ first light I let them out and locked up the old coop. They laid their eggs in the new coop!. Workin nights tonight and for the next few nights and the wife don't tend to them too well so I'm gonna keep my fingers crossed hopin they are getting the message.