New Pullets

[houseofclucks]

Hi all, I just yesterday introduced new, 5 total, pullets in my new coop. It has the enclosed area above the run just like a chicken tractor. I got the design idea from the the chicken tractors I've seen on-line, but mine is much to heavy to move on a daily basis. My question is this, I live in New England and we are in the middle of a heavy rain storm and the hens do not want to go down to the run for the food and water. I'm sure they need time to get use to the new enviorment so I have been putting food and water in the upper coop area. Should I be doing this? I'm sure if they get hungry enough and thirsty enough they will venture down, but I didn't want to force them in the rain. Was this the right thing to do? They are young. Thanks to all and by the way, I'm new to the forum. Thanks!

 

[SpottedCrow]

Welcome from another New Englander.
If they're fully feathered out, then the rain shouldn't be a problem for them. My two ninnies were out most of the day and got soaked...Putting the food in the enclosed section is fine for now...If you put it out today, then there's the risk of the food getting mouldy which causes another set of problems. I always have the food inside because of the squirrels.

 

[houseofclucks]

The food and water are located in the run, protected by wire, and the run is located under the coop. The food is not getting rained on, but I was afraid the young birds would not want to go down to the run in the wind and the bad weather. They are all feathered out but haven't been exposed to the elements before.

 

[SpottedCrow]

If they want to go out, they'll go out...

Penny never saw snow before, but Obelisk didn't want to go out in it, so Penny didn't go out in it...