First Night in Coop

Ridgerunner said:

Can you see to read a newspaper in there? If so, you have enough light. Leaving some openings under the overhang can let in a lot of light. They do need enough light to see to go to bed, but especially if it is only for sleeping and laying, there is no reason for it to be really bright. A coop being really bright can lead to behavioral problems, all the way from feather picking to cannibalism. The coop being a little darker seems to calm them down more. You may need a window but even a gable vent can let in a lot of light. I’m not a fan of ridge vents in areas where snow can build up, but your roof looks steep enough that snow should not build up.

I always have the problem of the chicks sleeping under the door when I move mine into the elevated grow-out coop and I let them in the run, even if they have been locked in the coop for over a week. When I move them into one of my coops on the ground I never have that problem. I think until they start to roost they like to sleep someplace really low. By the way, my brooder raised chicks normally start to roost at 10 to 12 weeks. I’ve had some start at 5 weeks, some start later than 12, but 10 to 12 is a good average.

What I suggest is that you go out there after dark and lock them inside the coop section. After they have settled down for the night about all you have to do is pick them up if it is pretty dark. If you have light out there it can be a bit more exciting. I have had some groups put themselves to bed in the coop after only doing this once, but what is more normal is that it takes about a week before they catch on. I have had some take three weeks. There is very little that is consistent about chickens and their behavior.

Click to expand...