Old chickens, New Coop.

[domino2339]

I built a new coop for my girls. I converted my 8x8 shed and attached a 15x8 run. I know it a big shock for them, and was wondering how do I get them to go in at night. They keep grouping up by the fence next to the old coop. The first day they went in to my surprise 2 of my chickens laid in the new coops nesting box

. One has no problem going in at dark, but the other 5 have no clue. How do I get them to feel like home? Here is a photo of the coop

 

[barneveldrerman]

Nice coop. And I would put them in the new coop every time they sleep outside. They will eventually get used to going into the coop. This worked for me and it should for you.

I hope this helps and if you have more questions let me know.

 

[aart]

I'd keep them locked up in the coop for a couple days then let them back out into the run.
Would help if you removed the old coop from the area.

Nice size on the new coop....
......but you want your nests lower than your roosts or they will roost in the nests and poop them up.
They will roost as high as possible.

 

[domino2339]

It's going to sound funny, but I put a battery power lantern in the coop tonight. I turn it on around 8:30pm. They all found there new cozy spot

I put the old coop next to the new one for one reason. I have two 6 1/2 week old sliver laced Wyandotte. So the big birds can see but not touch.

 

[aart]

It's going to sound funny, but I put a battery power lantern in the coop tonight. I turn it on around 8:30pm. They all found there new cozy spot

I put the old coop next to the new one for one reason. I have two 6 1/2 week old sliver laced Wyandotte. So the big birds can see but not touch.

Yes, I've read the light trick works very well...I've used it to get tiny chicks under a heat pad in the brooder.
That little coop will be great for raising chicks.

Still move those nests lower and add some ventilation up high in the new coop.
Nice setup!