Switching coop & roosts

[MikeG]

I know I made a big mistake but can't undo it. Here's the issues:

1) I just moved a young hatch of turkeys and momma into our chicken tractor which, until I closed the doors, used to be the roost and coop for my mature flock (3 australorps & a silver laced wyandotte).

2) I built a permanent coop for my young flock (14 weeks- 4 delaware crosses, 1 barred rock, 1 RIR, and 1 black sexlink) and they've been using it for about 3 weeks.

3) Both flocks have been co-mingling/free-ranging now and have worked through their issues. However, the old flock a)won't use the nestboxes and b)have refused to go into the coop 2 nites in a row.

What I've tried: Well, I didn't save any eggs but I pulled the golfballs and transplanted them along with the next box materials into the new coop. I've picked up and placed the old flock into the coop and onto the nests several times periodically throughout the day. And each night, I've had to pick them up after dusk and take them into the coop (to secure it from feral cats and other preds).

Its been super hot and egg production has been down but I haven't been able to find any eggs in 2 days. Can't figure out where they're laying them.

Apologies for the long post, but I'm reaching out for any suggestions...

Thank you!

 

[Mother of All]

put them into the new coop and close the door for two or three days.

 

[MikeG]

Simple and brilliant. Thank You.

 

[PhilErvin]

Quote:
I agree but would leave them locked in for 7 days. Make sure they have ample food and water and when you open the pop door just let them come out on their own. You will have implanted the memory in their pea brains.

 

[MikeG]

The only challenge is that there is one entrance to the coop & roost for all 9 and I only have 3 confused hens.

 

[PhilErvin]

Quote:
That should not be a problem. Lock them all up, it won't hurt them.

 

[tdgill]

i know this is an old post...

but was alarmed that these chickens had to be locked up for days in super hot weather????

 

[MikeG]

No worries tdgill. My coop is super ventilated, shaded, and I only ended up keeping them in there for 30 hours or so. Ironically, 3 months later, they began laying their eggs under ornamental grass near our back deck.

I'm currently working on a hoophouse for their winter housing and will hunt eggs until then.

 

[tdgill]

thanks for the thoughtful reply! and happy egg hunting! (as bothersome as it can be at times, it still has a smidgeon of fun!? At least the finally finding them part! LOL)