Time to get out of the brooder!

[EvansMeXo]

Hello! I'm finally moving mum chicks to their coop (there was a few unforeseen delays) so I'm wondering is it okay to move them in the evening or is it better for them to put them out first thing in the morning so they have all day to adjust to it before night time?? Any tips to make this move easy for them is appreciated!

 

[hannahsflock]

I would put them in at night. Lock them in the coop, so they can get used to their new surroundings.

Do you have an outside run for them? If you do, I would keep them in the coop until they get used to it, and only then start letting them outside. That way they also know where to go to roost at night.

 

[EvansMeXo]

I would put them in at night. Lock them in the coop, so they can get used to their new surroundings.

Do you have an outside run for them? If you do, I would keep them in the coop until they get used to it, and only then start letting them outside. That way they also know where to go to roost at night.

Thanks! They didn't go out last night (decided to put flooring in the coop to hopefully help with cleanings) they will have a run (it should be done next weekend) but it's only for when I'm not home so they can still go out,, when I'm home they'll free range.

I was thinking of keeping them in the coop for 2 weeks (from what I've read online) my plan is everymorning I'll go out and open the coop (the side drops down and the chicken door) there's fencing on it right now so they can't get out but I want them to have the fresh air and breeze so they don't cook inside) then at night when I go out side to close it up I'll throw scratch inside. My logic is by the time their aloud out to free range they'll be used to seeing me come to lock them up and run inside knowing I'm about to throw a treat in!
Do you think it'll work??

 

[hannahsflock]

Thanks! They didn't go out last night (decided to put flooring in the coop to hopefully help with cleanings) they will have a run (it should be done next weekend) but it's only for when I'm not home so they can still go out,, when I'm home they'll free range.

I was thinking of keeping them in the coop for 2 weeks (from what I've read online) my plan is everymorning I'll go out and open the coop (the side drops down and the chicken door) there's fencing on it right now so they can't get out but I want them to have the fresh air and breeze so they don't cook inside) then at night when I go out side to close it up I'll throw scratch inside. My logic is by the time their aloud out to free range they'll be used to seeing me come to lock them up and run inside knowing I'm about to throw a treat in!
Do you think it'll work??

I think that's a great strategy. Let me know how it goes!

 

[lazy gardener]

After they are acclimated, they will put themselves to bed without the scratch. I don't give scratch unless I need to round them up for some reason.

 

[EvansMeXo]

After they are acclimated, they will put themselves to bed without the scratch. I don't give scratch unless I need to round them up for some reason.

Is there a reason you don't?? Everything Ive been reading says it's a good idea, it helps them return "eagerly" to the coop and mixes up the shavings so it's fresher longer..
anyways! The move has been made!! I'm excited and yet terrified that my predator proofing won't be enough!

The 3 youngest will be staying in the brooder at night for the next 2-3 weeks until fully feathered but they'll be returned first thing in the morning

 

[EvansMeXo]

The chicken wire fencing isn't to keep the predators out this door locks with a padlock at night it's just to keep the chickens in until their aloud to free range

It looks like I have 10 happy chickens!!

 

[lazy gardener]

With the front closed, I'm wondering how much ventilation you have there???

As for not using scratch. I guess I have to say that I SOMETIMES give them scratch to mix the litter in coop or run. I just don't give them scratch on a regular basis. It's lower in protein, and yet cost the same as the higher protein feeds. So, I save it for "suits MY purposes" occasions.

 

[EvansMeXo]

With the front closed, I'm wondering how much ventilation you have there???

As for not using scratch. I guess I have to say that I SOMETIMES give them scratch to mix the litter in coop or run. I just don't give them scratch on a regular basis. It's lower in protein, and yet cost the same as the higher protein feeds. So, I save it for "suits MY purposes" occasions.

There's ventilation under both of the over hangs on both sides it's impossible to see unless your standing right in front of it lol, I have 1/2" hardware cloth covering it too, I doubt raccoons could slip in that way but I was thinking maybe snakes or other small critters