Solitary chicken - need advice

[Sky]

Having read earlier posts it would appear that we may need to assist our new hens with the "going up to bed" situation on the first night! With this in mind, when we get them home (probably about 3pm ish) should be put them in the top of the Ark (we have a Forsham large Ark) and let them come down the ladders themselves or should we release them straight into the run below and be prepared to help them up the ladders later? Just trying to go for the easiest option and the one which involves the least amount of "crawling"

[Egluntyne]

I'd put them in the run....3pm is a bit early for bed now that the lighter nights are here. They will want to eat and drink and explore......and you will want to watch them.

 

They will likely come out of the sleeping bit anyway if you put them there straight away, as they won't be ready to perch.

 

Chances are that you will have to help them upstairs for a few nights anyway.