New to chickens

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Dhulsizer

In the Brooder
Aug 31, 2018
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20180829_062944.jpg 20180824_193912.jpg 20180824_194034.jpg 20180824_194004.jpg Good afternoon,

My family is new to the chicken scene. We recently purchased our first flock which includes 3 Buffs 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte and 2 Cochin. They are 5 weeks old. When we got them home we let them into the run(Good,bad or indifferent?). Our plan is to free range them. How do we get them to go into the coop at dusk? We have been picking them up and placing them inside hoping they would learn. The other thing we noticed is that they do not use the perch in the coop. Tried placing them on it but they hop back off. Will this come with time? Also the coop has 1 window in it it has a normal screen backed with 1/2" hardware cloth. Is it safe to leave it open at night? I have included pictures of the coop any insight on modifications would be greatly appreciated. I'm sure I'll think of no we questions as they come and will post them. Thank you in advance for your help.
 
Welcome to BYC hope you enjoy your time here I know I have very knowledgeable people here! I keep my babies up until they have some size to them and they put themselves up on their own so they may need a bit more time...i only do this because I have coopers hawks but my natural broodies raise them free range from day one
 
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How cute they are!
For now since they are not close to laying eggs yet, i would block off the nest boxes.
Were they accustomed to a light? If so rig up a light with a low wattage bulb (40 watt) in there roost area. This may draw them in at night to the right spot. Then once fully dark turn the light off and they will stay put until morning.
Research well before free ranging, these guys are compleatly defenseless against anythingand everything.
Glad you joined us!
Welcome to the backyard!
 
50-45-1 said:
How cute they are!
For now since they are not close to laying eggs yet, i would block off the nest boxes.
Were they accustomed to a light? If so rig up a light with a low wattage bulb (40 watt) in there roost area. This may draw them in at night to the right spot. Then once fully dark turn the light off and they will stay put until morning.
Research well before free ranging, these guys are compleatly defenseless against anythingand everything.
Glad you joined us!
Welcome to the backyard!
Click to expand...
Thank you so much for the light idea. They were in a barn with heat lamps on them when we got them. So maybe this will help. We will try it. Not looking to free range them unroll they are much older. I want them to return on their own. Right now they are so skittish.
 

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