New coop

[Carter57]

When i put my hens an 2 rooster in my old convertered dog pen they would go into there large cardbord box every nght and would i shut the door on yjr box. I have built them a real coop with nesting boxes and they go in and out of all day.
But at night they roost on the the roast thet I have in in the pen. Do i need to put them in the coop by food or treats and shutting the door or will they get there on there on as the temps go down?

 

[spotstealer]

Usually they figure it out, but you can eithe entice them up the ramp with treats, or just put them in once or twice. The first night I had mine in thier run and coop. I put one up at the top of the ramp, the rest follwed her. After that, they didn't need any further guidance, they figured it out for themselves.

 

[teach1rusl]

Could be because it's new. Or it could be because it's hot inside; does it have ample ventilation?? Stick a thermometer inside and see if it's hotter inside than out (by more than just a degree or two). If you have ample ventilation (so it's not stifling inside), just stick them inside each evening a few minutes after dark, when it's easy to pick them up. They will most likely get the idea after a week of doing so.

 

[Carter57]

Quote:
They go in and out of it all day. I have even gotten my first 2 eggs from the nesting boxes in it this week.
I added a light that comes on before dark yesterday and they still didn't go in yesterday orto night. I did use a yellow bug light, may change that out for white light to see if that makes a difference.
Thanks for any help. I know i can pick them up and put them in but would hope to get them in on there own.