One week lock in, so they know it's home????

[angels4]

My coop and run are attached, I just left the door to the coop open and they went about thier business of going into the coop at night to roost, and playing in the run during the day. I've heard that if you put a flashlight inside the coop at dusk the girls will automatically return to the coop to roost. After a month of this I was able to free range them and they always return to the coop/run at dusk putting themselves to bed.

 

[Willow's Meadow]

Quote:
So I should just keep them in the coop 24/7 100% for the first week?

 

[schmije]

If your coop is small, and you can't connect the run to it, would it be possible to set up a temporary fence? We let our little girls into a small fenced area for a couple of hours each day just to get them out of the coop. At first, they won't go in on their own, so I have a long stick that I use to 'herd' them back inside. After a couple of days with the stick, they see it coming and run for the door! LOL! You'll probably want to supervise them unless you know that the temporary pen is secure from predators.

Also, I'm curious. If you don't plan on connecting the coop to the run, how will you get the chickens from one into the other?

 

[gritsar]

Willow's Meadow :

Quote:
So I should just keep them in the coop 24/7 100% for the first week?

I would, if I were you. As I've already mentioned I had a harder time than most because my young chickens were already "habituated" to sleeping on the screened porch. The time came for them to go to the coop and they were still lining up at the screened door each night. When I wouldn't open the door for them, they just roosted on anything that was handy right next to the door - including my DH's harley.

After a couple frustrating nights of picking them up and carrying them to the coop, I locked them in until they got the idea. Now I don't even have to be home; come roost time everybody heads to the coop.

ETA: I am assuming that your coop has window(s) or at least some way for them to get some fresh air and light.​

 

[Willow's Meadow]

Quote:
I suppose I will just herd them from the coop to the run. I am new to all this. The coop and the run will be extremly close. The driveway is just what seperates them.

 

[Willow's Meadow]

Quote:
So I should just keep them in the coop 24/7 100% for the first week?

I would, if I were you. As I've already mentioned I had a harder time than most because my young chickens were already "habituated" to sleeping on the screened porch. The time came for them to go to the coop and they were still lining up at the screened door each night. When I wouldn't open the door for them, they just roosted on anything that was handy right next to the door - including my DH's harley.

After a couple frustrating nights of picking them up and carrying them to the coop, I locked them in until they got the idea. Now I don't even have to be home; come roost time everybody heads to the coop.

ETA: I am assuming that your coop has window(s) or at least some way for them to get some fresh air and light.

There is one window right now. However it dosen't open

But at least that one will let light in. I'm planning to put a couple in that can open and let air in. There is also vents and exhaust fans in the ceiling. I was just out there last week testing them out to see if they work. They do!!!!!!! Actually it was really hot in the barn when I was in there. And when I put the fan on 5 minutes later it was extremly cool and breezy. It took out the air in the barn and let fresh air in. So I'm happy about that!!

Should I let them out for a little each day that week (like 20 min) just so they can run around a little, in the run?