Pullets won't leave the coop

[nutmeg259]

Yesterday I purchased two 14 week old Black Giant pullets. They were living in a large horse stall with 20+ other pullets. I brought them home and put them in a temporary coop, thinking they were plenty old enough to live outside. It is 12:15 (my time) and they have yet to leave their coop. I'm thinking this is because the poor birds had never seen the light of day until yesterday? I feel bad. I'm wondering if I should just let them acclimate, or move them into the garage for a bit and slowly increase their time outside?

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change - they are still adjusting to their new environment. Give them time. As soon as they feel comfortable, they will venture outside.

 

[aart]

Ditto what they said^^^


Do they have an enclosed run or free range? If only free range and no run you'll want them to stay in the coop for at least 3-4 days anyway so they can 'home' to the coop and come back at dusk.

 

[nutmeg259]

They have an enclosed run that surrounds their coop. Right now they are by themselves but can see the other birds in a nearby run.

 

[nutmeg259]

Yesterday I got really nervous because one was just laying on her side in the coop. I ended up putting the food and water inside the coop and observed them eating later in the afternoon so that was a relief.

 

[aart]

Give them a few days to get settled and acclimated, they'll investigate the run soon.

Are you practicing medical quarantine and bio-security?

 

[nutmeg259]

I have SO much to learn... I thought I was doing the smart thing by keeping new birds in a different coop/run. After reading your question about medical quarantine and bio security, I did some quick research and learned that my coops are way too close together! I guess hubby will be helping me move the temporary coop later...

 

[aart]

I have SO much to learn... I thought I was doing the smart thing by keeping new birds in a different coop/run. After reading your question about medical quarantine and bio security, I did some quick research and learned that my coops are way too close together! I guess hubby will be helping me move the temporary coop later...

Well, you did do a smart thing by keeping them in separate coops!

Moving them farther apart would still help, especially if one is acting off.