Just got adult hens- how do I help them acclimate to my coop?

[ChickenladyMA4]

I just got an adult buff Orpington and black astralop. They are in a small coop/run about 5x5 feet. I have a couple questions…

- I have a water feeder that comes from above and has nipples for them to drink from. They don’t seem familiar with this or how to use it so I am still bringing out a bowl of water for them so they don’t dehydrate. How can I show them to use the water nipples?

- the Buff seems cautious of me and won’t really approach when I bring snacks until I’m further away but the astralorp has no problem approaching me. How can I help the Buff feel more comfortable?

- how long should I keep them in the coop/run for them to understand this is home? I want them to free range in my backyard but am nervous they will fly over the fence or be impossible to catch to return to the coop. The person who sold them to me said I should keep them in the coop/run for at least a week so they will be comfortable returning to the coop.

- will the hens know how to find the nesting area? Do they instinctively know to go in there?


Thanks all!

 

[GNeerChick]

I just got an adult buff Orpington and black astralop. They are in a small coop/run about 5x5 feet. I have a couple questions…

- I have a water feeder that comes from above and has nipples for them to drink from. They don’t seem familiar with this or how to use it so I am still bringing out a bowl of water for them so they don’t dehydrate. How can I show them to use the water nipples?

- the Buff seems cautious of me and won’t really approach when I bring snacks until I’m further away but the astralorp has no problem approaching me. How can I help the Buff feel more comfortable?

- how long should I keep them in the coop/run for them to understand this is home? I want them to free range in my backyard but am nervous they will fly over the fence or be impossible to catch to return to the coop. The person who sold them to me said I should keep them in the coop/run for at least a week so they will be comfortable returning to the coop.

- will the hens know how to find the nesting area? Do they instinctively know to go in there?


Thanks all!

For the waterer, mine figured it out pretty quickly, but you can do the same thing I do with chicks: hold them and put their beak up to the nipples, or while they are watching, move the nipples enough to make water drop down. They are pretty quick on the uptake for food and water.

I don't have a ton of information about either of these breeds, my chooks come running when I go outside because at least once a day, I throw them the chicken bucket (scraps from inside). I like them being near me but I don't handle them so no help on that one I'm afraid.

I agree with the person who gave you the chickens, keep them in the coop for at least a week, maybe 2 if there isn't an enclosed run. You want them to understand where home/safety is. Otherwise they may try to find a safe space outside your yard.
It also gives you time to build a report with them, so you can call them (with success) if they do escape.

Best of luck with your new girls!

 

[Ridgerunner]

- I have a water feeder that comes from above and has nipples for them to drink from. They don’t seem familiar with this or how to use it so I am still bringing out a bowl of water for them so they don’t dehydrate. How can I show them to use the water nipples?

Good advice above.

- the Buff seems cautious of me and won’t really approach when I bring snacks until I’m further away but the astralorp has no problem approaching me. How can I help the Buff feel more comfortable?

I've had both breeds and it really depends on the individual chicken much more than breed. Just be calm and let her get used to you. Maybe read while sitting in a chair in the run and ignoring her with treats nearby. It takes patience on your part. With food involved you can make progress.

- how long should I keep them in the coop/run for them to understand this is home? I want them to free range in my backyard but am nervous they will fly over the fence or be impossible to catch to return to the coop. The person who sold them to me said I should keep them in the coop/run for at least a week so they will be comfortable returning to the coop.

I agree, at least a week. They are creatures of habit. Once they get in the habit of sleeping in a specific spot they tend to really want to return to that spot to sleep. Letting them get used to knowing where food and water is can help. Their clue to return to the coop/run is when it starts getting dark. They may roam all over during daylight but once it gets dark they are ready to return to bed.

It can be challenging to get them back in the coop/run during the day. You can train them to come when called by using treats. Use the same bucket or container to hold treats every time you give them treats. if it makes a noise maybe shake it or bang on it. Make a vocalization, something like "Here, chicky chick" every time you give them treats. Always give them treats when you do any of that. This usually works quite well.

- will the hens know how to find the nesting area? Do they instinctively know to go in there?

They do not instinctively know that they are supposed to lay in your nests. They are already adults so they are probably laying. They will soon decide on a site they consider suitable for a nest. It could be the same or it could be a different nest for each one.

If they are laying, your coop is big enough, and you have food and water in the coop you can leave them in the coop only until they lay. Some people leave them locked in the coop a half day as many lay in the morning. That way they should pick some place inside your coop for a nest. That might be your nest, that might not be.

Some hens like to lay in a place that already has an egg. I leave a fake egg in the nests I want them to use. I use a golf ball but you can get wooden or ceramic eggs to use if you prefer. This does not always work but it helps your odds of success.

You may notice I haven't given you any guarantees that these things always work. You do not get guarantees with living animals, it just doesn't work that way. But if you can do these things your odds of success are pretty high.

Good luck!

 

[ChickenladyMA4]

Thanks everyone for your replies- very helpful!