New Hens what to do????

rusbli · « **on:** July 31, 2007, 20:29 »

Hi there,
I am new to the forums and have aquired two new hens and a chicken coop. The coop has a bottom where the run is and then a ladder at the bottom leading up to the coop. I have put the hens in the botton of the run to get used to it. I have read in books that you should first put your hens in the coop for 24 hrs with the door shut so they know where there home is then after the 24hrs let them out. What do you guys think I should do as like i said im new to this and would like for them to have the best start? Or should I let them make there own way up the ladder to there coop.

Many thanks in advance.

Russell

GrannieAnnie · « **Reply #1 on:** July 31, 2007, 20:37 »

My hens have never had a 'high rise' before, but I'd leave them downstairs, then when its nearly dark, if they haven't found their way 'upstairs' I'd put them in the house and then in the morning let them find their own wasy down. I'm sure it won't take them long to find their way up and down!!

richyrich7 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 31, 2007, 20:40 »

Hi rusbli welcome to the forums.

I think the "keep em in for 24hrs" is if you are free ranging them so they know where home is. Like Grannie says let em into the coop and lift them up in the evening, they will soon get the idea.

rusbli · « **Reply #3 on:** July 31, 2007, 21:03 »

hello all thanks for the reply. I have jus spent the last 30 mins trying to get the hens into the coop but they seem to be getting very distressed. Im thinking of jus leaving them to make there own way up to the coop. Will this be ok?

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #4 on:** July 31, 2007, 21:06 »

You can put them in when its dark. They will be quite calm then.

hermon · « **Reply #5 on:** August 02, 2007, 14:52 »

hens like to sleep somewhere high so they should like being off the ground i did the 24hr prison bit and they slept in there the very next night.
love'm

rusbli · « **Reply #6 on:** August 03, 2007, 09:33 »

Well I eventally got them in the coop and they slept in there ok last night. So now I wil see what happens tonight. Do you think I should tempt them up to the coop with food? Oh and I had my first egg!!!!!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #7 on:** August 03, 2007, 11:42 »

They get the hand of things very quickly :!: First eggs are brilliant, I think Emily will start laying soon, she's started to crouch :shock:

sorrel · « **Reply #8 on:** August 03, 2007, 16:12 »

Hi, you seem to be doing everything right. The hens will probably work it out for themselves tonight.

Good luck!

Aunt Sally
Who is Emily?

have you got a new chook?

Kazoo · « **Reply #9 on:** August 04, 2007, 17:15 »

I used a torch in the house to get my girls in on their first night, worked really well, only had to use it for 2 nights then they got their routine sorted!

Aunt Sally · « **Reply #10 on:** August 04, 2007, 21:01 »

That's a good way to do it Kazoo. Thanks for reminding us of that one. I've used it myself. (not for me - for my hens :roll: )

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