introducing chicks to the coop.

when introducing chicks to the coop you have to spread out their intro to the coop by letting them have visits in the coop a couple hours a day; usually a week before you permanently keep them in there. things to do and be aware of:
--play days. i kept my chicks (when they were around five-six weeks old) in the coop/run for a couple hours everyday during the afternoon before they permanently stayed outside. be sure to check on them frequently. and even be in the coop/run with them for a little bit so they know its okay. and they are really fun to watch explore. make sure they have food/water and can't get themselves into anything that is harmful to them. if your wire for the run is big enough for them to fit through just keep them in the coop during the play days until they are big enough or place smaller wire around the perimeter of the larger wire (it only needs to be a foot or two high). just make sure they have ventilation in the coop so they don't get claustrophobic and have access to fresh air. remember, once the chicks have a play day outside they will want to go out everyday so be prepared for that commitment or else they start to get really rowdy. mine did!
--the first night. when the chicks are at least six weeks of age (i kept mine inside until they were eight weeks, so they were feathered out), you can transfer them in the coop at night or let them be in the run/coop during the day and then make sure they are in the coop at night. they don't need perches for the first week or two they are in the coop, but make sure the floor is cushioned with wood shavings or something similar so they can stay warm on the ground during the night. if your nights are very cold where you live i would keep a heat lamp in the coop during the nights for your chicks don't get sick or die of cold. also make sure there are no drafts in the coop and that the coop is completely safe of predators.