Transitioning Chicks from the booder to the coop

[mtmynatt]

Good Morning! We moved our chickens (about 5 weeks old/already feathered) from the brooder to the coop 2 days ago. The first night, I placed them in the area of the coop that I could close off from the run part and they squawked like crazy! I did this to keep them secure from predators. They eventually calmed down and the next morning, I opened the door for them to have the freedom to use the run. The next night, was a bit easier. My question is: DO CHICKENS LEARN WHEN TO GO IN THE COOP ON THEIR OWN OR DO YOU HAVE TO TRAIN THEM? I let them out in the yard when I get home from work and let them free range for awhile while I watch them of course. They seem to really enjoy this. HOW OLD DO THEY HAVE TO BE TO LET THEM OUT UNATTENDED? Thank you! Margaret

 

[Pork Pie]

If you keep your chicks locked in the coop (with food and water) for 2-3 days, they should associate the coop with safety and return to the coop as darkness falls.

I usually let my birds out to range the garden at 4 months or so.

 

[Punkybrewster]

If you have a secure run with netting or fencing on the top, they will be fine. I keep both food and water in the run at this time.

You may need to direct some to the coop a couple of times so they learn to go in and out using the ramp if you have one.

They will usually put themselves up at night. Just check in the evening to make sure everyone found their way in.

Once they learn to go up and down the ramp, i keep feed in the coop and water in the run.

 

[GC-Raptor]

I let them out in the yard when I get home from work and let them free range for awhile while I watch them of course. They seem to really enjoy this. HOW OLD DO THEY HAVE TO BE TO LET THEM OUT UNATTENDED?

My first Flock was attacked by a Coopers Hawk in their open top pen at 7 months old.
I was home and heard the commotion and rushed outside. Feathers everywhere. She survived.
I didn't let them free range till they were 13 months old. That was 3 years ago this month.

I let my second Flock out to free range the first time at 10 months old.
I lost my first hen last month to a Fox while free ranging. She was 19 months old.

I currently have Chicks 3 1/2 weeks old.
I won't let them free range till all pullets have been laying in the nest boxes for at least a month.
So sometime after 5 to 6 months old at the earliest. GC