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DJake said:
Hi y'all,
I joined this forum to learn more about caring for my backyard flock. I have 6 mixed brown layers that are about 12 weeks old. These are my first chicks, although I have cared for a small flock at work off and on for a few years. I work for a horse ranch that provides equine therapy services and the owner has had a flock for years. When he ordered some new chicks this year I decided to add to it and start my own backyard flock.
I've lurked on this website for about 6 months, getting coop ideas, care and feeding instructions, advice on pasty butt and constipated chicks, and just for some good amusement, and decided it was time to join!
I have a 2 level coop, each floor is 24sq ft, with a bottom ramp to go between the levels. It is in a 20x8' run that used to be a garden bed. The run has a 4' fence around it but isn't covered, so I was hoping to keep the hens happy in the coop while I am at work and give them 4-5 hours of liberty in the run every afternoon. Unfortunately, they won't leave the upper level of the coop. I kept them in the top section when they first moved outside (10 weeks) for a week, and now they won't use the bottom level. I have 2 adventuresome hens that go back and forth, but none of the rest.
So, how do I get them to use the downstairs section?
Should I move their food and water to the lower level and see if they find? Push them down? Stick them all in the bottom by hand and let them figure it out? I'm looking for suggestions that hopefully won't stress them out too bad.
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