1st wk in coop, how to get them in at night?

[TwilightMom]

My seven chicks are 9 weeks old now and I get my kids to help 'herd' them in to the coop. We use long sticks or badminton rackets to make our arms longer and corral them that way. I did it once by myself and it took me 1/2 an hour! I had to laugh at the thought of how I must have looked!

 

[mboreham1]

they are so scared of you because they are chicken......!

 

[annieroo]

I had a similar problem with some bantams my Aunt gave me. She let them free range and they would nest in the trees at night. When I brought them home they would roost on top of the house instead of going in. I ended up putting all of them, luckily only six since I had to catch them, in the coop at night and blocked the door so that they could not get out until I let them out the next morning. After about a week they realized that they were warmer and dryer inside the coop so that's where they go to nest for the night.
I have two coops. One for the bantams and one for my normal sized hens. When I initially got the Bantams I was wondering how I was going to get everyone back in there perspective coops when I let everyone out for the day, but they all know which house is theirs so by night fall they head back to their homes. I find it pretty amazing.

 

[beachchickie]

All birds instinctly go to light. If you get a stray bird in your house, turn off all lights inside turn on outside light and they go to it automatically. The onlly problem is if you live in the city those darn street lights fool them every time. Get a flashlight and lead the way momma.