Taking too long to imprint new coop??

Dazlin · #1 11/03/11, 11:52 AM

I moved a small group of 5 hens and 1 roo to another side of a new coop. I kept them in for over a week, and when I let them out, they all returned way across the pasture to the old coop. They even laid eggs outside, because I had it locked and they couldn't get in. I tried chasing them back, I offered scratch, and they wouldn't go back to the new coop. Eventually, I had to let them in, and snatch them up one by one. I also have been suffering with a broken rib...UGH!!! So, it's definitely not worth the extra work, and pain. Now, I left them in the new coop, LOCKED...but for how long?? They've been in the old coop for up to 2 years.

lauriej57 · #2 11/03/11, 07:15 PM

I went through something similar a few years ago. I would keep them locked up for 2 weeks, and then see what happens. If you have a run attached to the coop, you could probably keep them in the coop for a week, then access to the run for a week. They are creatures of habit, and it takes awhile to break habits.

Dazlin · #3 11/04/11, 11:18 AM

Yes, I have a run attached to the coop, so they could be outside too. I guess I'll try in another week?? I never had this problem, that's why I was surprised they didn't return.

lauriej57 · #4 11/04/11, 03:39 PM

I suggest that you leave them in the coop for a week, but you could just leave them in the coop/run, for a couple of weeks, however, you may find yourself having to put them into the coop every night for a while. I've been there before!

Oxankle · #5 11/04/11, 05:40 PM

I had hens roosting under the eaves of the barn, but coons and owls can find them there. I caught them for several nights in a row and put them in the pen where they belonged without convincing them. Then I just started poking them down with a stick and chasing them away from the barn. Two nights in a row did the trick.

Dazlin · #6 11/06/11, 12:21 PM

Well we're going on 2 weeks, and I haven't let them out again. I want to make sure my broken rib is healed...just in case I have to start chasing them. These guy's are stubborn!!

Dazlin · #7 11/13/11, 10:10 AM

Well...I tried again 2x this week...they WOULD NOT come back. They waited down by the old coop!! I shook the feeder, tried herding them but they would just cut around me and go to the old coop. Their back in, locked! It's been a month now...I don't think they'll ever come in.