Tips for Moving Adolescents to Coop??

[CabritaChicks]

I don't get chicken psychology. Mine spend all day trying to escape the brooder, but when I take them outside on field trips, they just stick to me like glue - no flying around or exploring. Maybe I started too late??

Sounds like they’re just a bit nervous. Mine still follow me around like I’m their all-knowing, food-dispensing super-mom. Honestly, they see me as the center of their universe.

Im sure you had enrichment for them when they were young- Go ahead and place the coop wherever you want it—just make sure it’s in a shaded spot. Then lock them in and walk away. (Of course, peek in to make sure everyone’s alive and well—but trust me, they’ll be just fine.)

 

[KWestVA]

Sounds like they’re just a bit nervous. Mine still follow me around like I’m their all-knowing, food-dispensing super-mom. Honestly, they see me as the center of their universe.

Im sure you had enrichment for them when they were young- Go ahead and place the coop wherever you want it—just make sure it’s in a shaded spot. Then lock them in and walk away. (Of course, peek in to make sure everyone’s alive and well—but trust me, they’ll be just fine.)

Thank you!!

 

[Mrs. K]

A lot of people keep their birds in too small of area and indoors too long with the best intentions of keeping them safe.

Chickens need fresh air, sunshine and space to get exercise. I would get them outside asap. But before I did, I would set that coop where you want it and set the timer for every two hours and check the shade. Shade moves, and what is shady in the morning often times is in the beating sun in the afternoon.

That is a small coop, and will have issues with over heating and ventilation, which can make it damp in the winter.

How many birds do you have? I would expect them to roost on the roof in a month or two. They are darling coops, but the companies vastly over state the number of full size birds that will fit. Over crowding causes a lot of problems.

Mrs K

 

[KWestVA]

I have three chickens. The coop manufacturer has expansions available (e.g. runs); I just want to see how this one works out before buying anything else - and I'm not opposed to DIY either.

I'm struggling with how to let the chickens roam freely about the yard because we have many predators in the neighborhood due to new construction encroaching on their habitat; and while my dog appears to have resigned herself to cohabitating with chickens, there's nothing at present to stop them from flying over the fence and being attacked by a neighbor's dog. All that being said, they definitely can't stay in that small coop full time.

 

[Bsmac]

I have three chickens. The coop manufacturer has expansions available (e.g. runs); I just want to see how this one works out before buying anything else - and I'm not opposed to DIY either.

I'm struggling with how to let the chickens roam freely about the yard because we have many predators in the neighborhood due to new construction encroaching on their habitat; and while my dog appears to have resigned herself to cohabitating with chickens, there's nothing at present to stop them from flying over the fence and being attacked by a neighbor's dog. All that being said, they definitely can't stay in that small coop full time.

That is a problem many of us go through. I haven`t looked in a while but you were able to buy metal tubular framed runs pretty cheaply on Temu. Only thing I did was upgrade to 1/2 inch hardware cloth. Something to think about anyway. Good luck!

 

[Appalachickens]

I don't get chicken psychology. Mine spend all day trying to escape the brooder, but when I take them outside on field trips, they just stick to me like glue - no flying around or exploring. Maybe I started too late??

Ours did at first, and also stayed very close together. But if they are in the run and I’m not there, what are they going to do but explore?

 

[KWestVA]

Ours did at first, and also stayed very close together. But if they are in the run and I’m not there, what are they going to do but explore?

Good point! If I close the french door curtain, they won't be able to watch me!