[happy clucker]

I've just bought four hens, they've been in the hen house since tea time yesterday, how long should I leave them in there for before I let them out? I've read a number of articles that all contradict each other, some say over night, some say up to a week. I know they have to associate the hen house as home, but a week seems excessive, can anyone offer advice please?

Thanks

[colliebird]

I've just bought four hens, they've been in the hen house since tea time yesterday, how long should I leave them in there for before I let them out? I've read a number of articles that all contradict each other, some say over night, some say up to a week. I know they have to associate the hen house as home, but a week seems excessive, can anyone offer advice please?

Thanks

Depending on what time of day I've put my new hens in their coop, they've been free to go in and out as they like immediately (except when it has been dark and they've been shut in for the night).  If you don't have any other hens to show them the way, maybe a couple of hours so they realise where the food, water and nesting boxes are.

Valerie