Tips for Moving Adolescents to Coop??

[KWestVA]

Need help moving my 2-month-old "chicks" to their coop!

I don't have an existing flock to show them the ropes, and it hasn't helped.that our weather for the past month has alternated between 100° heat index and violent thunderstorms - often both on the same day, like today. The wheeled coop is currently on my screened-in back porch, so my plan was to shut them on the porch each day for maybe an hour while I clean their brooder (a playpen in my dining room ), so that they can check out the coop while still coming "home to mama". However, even putting a dish of their favorite treats next to the coop only distracts them for 5-10 minutes before they start pecking on the french doors to be let back in.

Any ideas to at least get them to check out the coop (photo attached)? Because of the weather, I'm concerned about just locking them in it at night and toughing out their crying.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I think you need to "get tough." That's not where the coop is going to stay is it? Put the coop where it's meant to be, and put them out in the run on a day that's forecasted to be not too crazy. And then walk away and let them cry. 2 month old chickens don't need to be indoors.

 

[KWestVA]

I think you need to "get tough." That's not where the coop is going to stay is it? Put the coop where it's meant to be, and put them out in the run on a day that's forecasted to be not too crazy. And then walk away and let them cry. 2 month old chickens don't need to be indoors.

LOL, I'm probably part of the problem, spoiling them! But I do need my dining room back.

There is a deck area outside of the porch with a couple of steps down into the backyard where ideally the coop would reside.

 

[febane]

Need help moving my 2-month-old "chicks" to their coop!

I don't have an existing flock to show them the ropes, and it hasn't helped.that our weather for the past month has alternated between 100° heat index and violent thunderstorms - often both on the same day, like today. The wheeled coop is currently on my screened-in back porch, so my plan was to shut them on the porch each day for maybe an hour while I clean their brooder (a playpen in my dining room ), so that they can check out the coop while still coming "home to mama". However, even putting a dish of their favorite treats next to the coop only distracts them for 5-10 minutes before they start pecking on the french doors to be let back in.

Any ideas to at least get them to check out the coop (photo attached)? Because of the weather, I'm concerned about just locking them in it at night and toughing out their crying. Trading scams are becoming more common, especially on unregulated platforms that promise quick profits. Victims are often misled by fake success stories or manipulated trading data. Services like amdarklimited.com claim to assist with fund recovery, but it's crucial to verify their legitimacy before proceeding. Always report the scam to your local financial authority and retain all related records. Be cautious of anyone asking for upfront fees to recover your money, as this could be a second scam.

Try gradually increasing their time in the coop during cooler parts of the day, bringing familiar items like bedding or toys to make it feel safe. Offer food only inside the coop so they associate it with something positive. Keep them in for short periods while you're nearby to reassure them. Add a soft light if it’s too dim inside. With consistency, they’ll get more comfortable and start settling in.

 

[Bsmac]

Hello! I agree put them in the coop just make sure they have shade. Sometimes tough love is the best way to go!

 

[CabritaChicks]

Be mindful of where you place your coop—it really matters. There’s a big difference between a coop that creates a bit of shade and a coop that’s actually positioned in natural shade throughout the day. Trust me, that small detail can drastically impact the temperature inside, especially during the hotter months.

And yes—chickens poop. A lot. Like, impressively so. So think ahead about airflow, cleaning logistics, and how close you really want that coop to your living space. I made sure to pick a spot that stayed shaded and breezy, but also far enough from our home, as inconvenient as it is to go down there, the chickens are much happier. I also use coop refresh and such products- turns out they know the smell now of fresh herbs, and that way it was easier to transition them to the new coop.

I would modify that coop to give more airflow (I live in a very hot climate as well). Consider putting hardware cloth on the roost door, and maybe some mini solar fans on the other side (easy purchase on Amazon).

When I introduced my chicks to the coop, I didn’t rush it. At around five weeks old, I started giving them “coop playtime”—a couple of hours in the early morning when temperatures were mild. Then I’d bring them back inside. I repeated this for several days, gradually increasing the time. By the time they were seven weeks old, they had transitioned fully and were living out there full-time, happily scratching and snoozing in their new space.

Biggest thing I learned? Tough love. Put them in, and go on a date day- dont come back, dont check on them, just walk away. And voila! mine even free range on multiple acres of jungle forest, but always return home at night