1 month old chickens not returning to coop at night

[lukkyseven]

Let me start by saying I've gone through this before. I am currently picking them up and putting them into their coop every night. Some nights I lock them in, others I just leave the door open. They stay inside either way.

I'm wondering if it's worth trying to put an older hen in with them to develop some better habbits. My other choice would be to put 12 one month old chicks in with my established flock. I just don't think they're old enough for that yet.

 

[cherrynberry]

Let me start by saying I've gone through this before. I am currently picking them up and putting them into their coop every night. Some nights I lock them in, others I just leave the door open. They stay inside either way.

I'm wondering if it's worth trying to put an older hen in with them to develop some better habbits. My other choice would be to put 12 one month old chicks in with my established flock. I just don't think they're old enough for that yet.

how long have you been moving them for? I find that my young pullets start to catch on after 1-2 days...

 

[lukkyseven]

I have been moving them for just over a week now. They have a favorite corner and was thinking about putting something in that spot so they can't roost there.

 

[kerbotx]

They're babies, they need more parental guidance from you. I'd suggest treat training, a little before roost time.

 

[hunterduff]

Let me start by saying I've gone through this before. I am currently picking them up and putting them into their coop every night. Some nights I lock them in, others I just leave the door open. They stay inside either way.

I'm wondering if it's worth trying to put an older hen in with them to develop some better habbits. My other choice would be to put 12 one month old chicks in with my established flock. I just don't think they're old enough for that yet.

Keep picking them up and putting them in. Adding a small light to the inside of the coop can help. Mine use to huddle in the corner of the run that was lit. They’re too young to be put with the flock. They’ll get it soon!

 

[neo71665]

How many chicks and what size is the coop?

 

[lukkyseven]

How many chicks and what size is the coop?

12 chicks. coop is 4'x8'

 

[neo71665]

That coop is small. What breed are they?

 

[lukkyseven]

I have used plywood size coops my entire life when keeping 12ish chickens. There's plenty of room inside of the coop. They all huddle to one side of it anyway. I have read all the recommended size notes for coops and I find real life experience different from suggestions.

 

[neo71665]

I have used plywood size coops my entire life when keeping 12ish chickens. There's plenty of room inside of the coop. They all huddle to one side of it anyway. I have read all the recommended size notes for coops and I find real life experience different from suggestions.

My experience chickens won't go into a coop they don't like. It can be for any number of reasons, including undersized. Birds are like people no 2 are alike. Also don't shoot the messenger when you ask a question and don't like the answer. I know the guidelines are not set in stone. If you were crowding one extra I wouldn't have said anything.

Besides there are other things like ventilation and roost bars. Sometimes young birds just need to be trained and you are doing that. Pictures are worth 1000 words.