Out to the coop

[Waters-flock]

I went away for the weekend and came home to chicks that had to go to their coop - immediately. I knew it was time but wanted to be home when they moved out. Over the three days that I was gone, they grew so much that I knew I couldn’t wait any longer. At 5 weeks of age, out they went. They loved their first day in the coop and the weather was perfect - between 75 and 85, and the coop had nice shade. I saw them exploring the ladder up to the roost but mostly stayed on the floor. At 7:30, I went back to see if they found the roost but it was still light out and they were still exploring. So, at 9:00, I went back with a flashlight and picked each one up and put them on the roost. They weren’t happy with me but no one flew off (not sure they knew how to get down). I left them squawking at me, feeling guilty. In the middle of the night, I heard rain falling. I knew if they were on the roost, they would stay dry (it wasn’t cold) but if they were on the floor, they might get a little wet. So I went down there early this morning to make sure my girls didn’t have a bad night. They were great, eating and quietly talking to each other. They came down from their roost (high for little chickens, right?) on their own. And there was enough poop under the roost that I feel like they stayed there through the nighttime. I took that as a big win. I will go again tonight to make sure they end up on their roost (hopefully get up there on their own) but otherwise, I’m feeling good.

I want to let them loose into their larger run soon but not sure how long I should keep them in their coop. Suggestions would be appreciated.

i feel like we’ve taken a huge step and appreciate the help I’ve been getting through the entire journey. Pics just cause my girls are so cute.

 

[azygous]

Congrats on the successful move! The next big challenge will be teaching them that the coop as viewed from their run is the same coop they've been already living in since it won't look the same to them from out there.

Teaching chicks to go inside at night may take a little longer. I've found that if one or two pick up the concept, the others will follow.

 

[Waters-flock]

I hadn’t thought of that. They did spend days in the run for about a week, right next to the entrance of the coop. Yesterday, I sat on the run side and opened the door to the coop side and just fed them some mash through the door. I hope that helps them get familiar with the door.