New home for older chickens--any tips for the move?

[saucywomyn]

My neighbors are moving and they offered me their 11 hens and a rooster. They range from a couple of years to about 5 years old each. I don't know what kind they are (some are black/white striped, some are golden, one is black, a couple are reddish), but they're the "normal" chicken size--kind of large actually. The girls all currently lay eggs almost every day (some are green, some tan, some white). Their current coop is a permanent structure, so it won't be coming with them (except their nesting boxes). I'm working on the new coop at the moment, but I'm wondering if there are any tips to help them acclimate to their new home?

 

[ARose4Heaven]

Keep them in the coop for 3 - 5 days so they get used to it's being Home now, not the other place.

 

[saucywomyn]

Thank you--that does sound like good advice, although it's gonna drive me crazy because it seems mean (LOL).

 

[Knock Kneed Hen]

It would be a good time for you just to go in and sit with them, get them used to you. You could offer them treats so they don't get bored and associate you with all things good! Congratulations on your insta-flock!!

 

[Judy]

Quote:
I have read many times to do this, but like you, am not sure I could do it. Mine free range because I don't like the idea of locking them up. Seems like if the food is in the coop they shouldn't have too much trouble figuring out where home is. I've never moved a flock but don't think I would lock them up for more than a day and night, if that.

Might be a problem if they can get back to their old coop, though.