new flock seems confused

[meralgia]

I fear that my new flock doesn't like the cozy part of the coop. We got three buff orpington and two barred rock. Last night they were standing around in the roomy side (the "sunroom" without nest boxes or roosts. Should I give them a roost there as well rather than "force" them into the other half? Also, there's quite a bit of light from the alley so they may be confused about nighttime for a little while.

 

[iwiw60]

You say 'new flock' ... did you move them in just recently? If so, they are most likely stressed from their move to new surroundings...chickens don't like change. Do you have better pics of your coop/run to look at?

As for the light coming from the alley way...is there some way to block the light off?

 

[centrarchid]

Lock them up in coop for three days solid, then release them late in fourth day. This promotes imprinting on new location. Make certain roost / coop does not get dark to fast as that can make it hard for birds to see roost by time they decide to use it each evening.