We're moving! New house and new coop-how to introduce flock to new digs?

[Mo'sMenagerie]

HI BYC!
We have exciting news at my house...we've got a new one! We've been building a new home for the past year that just passed final inspections. We now have the certificate of occupancy! The new property not only has a sweet new house, but my flock of 11 will be getting a brand spank'n new Woods fresh air-inspired coop!!! My partner has done a spectacular job getting it built simultaneously. It just needs one more coat of paint and to instal the automatic (Ladies First) door once it arrives.

My question is--what is the best way to introduce the flock to their new home? The new house is very different than the last and they will have a much larger and different area to free range in. My thoughts are that they are going to need learn this is their new home, so they are going to need to be locked up in the new coop for a week or so. I really don't want to do this as I have a couple young roosters (one is a landrace Swedish Flower Hen) who don't enjoy captivity AT ALL. And when locked up, I'm worries they will take it out on the ladies!

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated! We are beginning the move the day after Christmas. I've attached photos of the new coop and house for your viewing pleasure I'm very proud if can't tell

 

[DobieLover]

Congratulations! Sweet new digs for everyone!
I would leave the girls locked in the coop with ONE of the males, preferably the dominant male. Either allow the rest of the boys to free range during the day or prepare a secure pen for them (maybe temporarily fence in the underside of the coop?). Bring the extra cockerels in at roost time to secure them. After a week, the flock should be acclimated to the new coop.
Expect a drastic drop in egg production.

 

[featherhead007]

Just show them their new home, hand them the keys, and congratulate them on their taste in housing preference.
That's what my realtor did for me.

 

[Birdsong 82]

Awesome new home! I wouldn't leave them locked inside the coop together full-time do you have any way of setting up fencing or something for them during the day temporarily? Or a secure run?

 

[featherhead007]

yes they need an acclimation proclamation! couple of days inside the new coop.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Congratulations on your beautiful new home!!
I agree with @DobieLover

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Congratulations! Sweet new digs for everyone!
I would leave the girls locked in the coop with ONE of the males, preferably the dominant male. Either allow the rest of the boys to free range during the day or prepare a secure pen for them (maybe temporarily fence in the underside of the coop?). Bring the extra cockerels in at roost time to secure them. After a week, the flock should be acclimated to the new coop.
Expect a drastic drop in egg production.

Thanks for the comments!I have 2 roos and the rest ladies. The dominant male is actually very nice and sweet. It's the younger roo, the SFH, that can be a bit rough. So is what you're suggesting to leave them all locked up for a while or so but leave the more agressive fella out during the day?

I do hope we can get a smaller enclosed run up before we get them up there but not sure if we will have the time...

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

Congratulations on your beautiful new home!!
I agree with @DobieLover

Thanks!

 

[Mo'sMenagerie]

yes they need an acclimation proclamation! couple of days inside the new coop.

Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

Thanks for the comments!I have 2 roos and the rest ladies. The dominant male is actually very nice and sweet. It's the younger roo, the SFH, that can be a bit rough. So is what you're suggesting to leave them all locked up for a while or so but leave the more agressive fella out during the day?

I do hope we can get a smaller enclosed run up before we get them up there but not sure if we will have the time...

It wouldn't take much to enclose the area under the coop with hardware cloth and a small gate. That way the more aggressive guy would be secure.
Do any of the hens really let him have it if he tries to mate them? If so, put one or two of those girls in there with him so he's not totally alone. It won't take too long to "home" the flock to their new coop. Just play it by ear.
Is the younger guy related to the dominant boy? Are they roosters or cockerels?