Newbie question

[Padorna23]

Hey guys, just a quick question. I was given 4 barred rock hens that are 10 weeks old and these are my first hens. I have a 4x4 coop with a 10x4 run. I am keeping food and water in the coop and extra water out in the run. I let them out this morning and they haven’t gone back in for more food at all. It’s been about 7 hours. Should I lock them in the coop for a few days before I let them into the run so they know the food will be in there? They were locked in the coop for about 16 hours before I let them into the run today. Thanks for all the help!!

 

[member 592157]

How long have you had them? Were they previously kept just in a house or were they let out in a run? The two flocks I raised, it took them awhile to learn how to go into the house for more food (lol they are so stupid sometimes), but they do eventually learn. It seems to dawn on them around the time they learn how to go in at night on their own. Alternatively, they may have enough bugs/grass outside that they don't need any food, esp since you have water outside for them. If they don't seem unhealthy or anything, I would let them go and they will learn soon. But as that is my method for everything (don't mess unless they are dying) you could also try catching a few during the day and walking them up the ramp into the house so they learn what to do

 

[Padorna23]

I was given them yesterday afternoon. They were kept in a similar set up to what I have now so I just figured I’d keep them in the same routine. They don’t seem distressed or anything. The only difference is I have my coop sitting up higher than the one they were in so it’s a longer ramp going up. I will just leave them be for now and see if they make their way up as it gets darker out.

 

[DobieLover]

Hey guys, just a quick question. I was given 4 barred rock hens that are 10 weeks old and these are my first hens. I have a 4x4 coop with a 10x4 run. I am keeping food and water in the coop and extra water out in the run. I let them out this morning and they haven’t gone back in for more food at all. It’s been about 7 hours. Should I lock them in the coop for a few days before I let them into the run so they know the food will be in there? They were locked in the coop for about 16 hours before I let them into the run today. Thanks for all the help!!

Can you post pictures of your setup?
Your 10 week old pullets are going to get much bigger and keeping the food and water in the coop isn't going to work much longer.
Is your coop elevated with a ramp? If so, they need to be taught how to use the ramp.

 

[Padorna23]

Here is the outside of the coop. It is raised about a foot higher than what they were previously in.

 

[Padorna23]

They just made it up to the feeder yaayyyy