Oh no!! When do you start there? Maybe the little ones will be better at going in before you change? Are you using the flood lights now? If they're not asleep when you put them on, I'd think it would encourage them to stay out of the coop. Mine hung out by the coop door for a few nights before they figured out the roost. We finally realized it was because it was lighter there than inside the coop. They still all roost at the end of roost that is closest to the window...where it's lightest at dusk.
I'm in Wisconsin and if I could have more than the ones I have, I'd offer to take them for the winter and then return them to you.![]()
I jysf got the flood lights. They are getting wired tomorrow. I'm not sure if I should put the double one in the run and one in the coop?
Which way would encourage them to go in? They prefer the top of the coop right now. Before it was the rabbit hutch. They have gone higher.
I was thinking in the run so they can see in case of a predator coming around.
Thd time change is going to mess me up. We are looking at about an hour in the morning and an hour at night.
Obviously you have to do what is best for you and your flock, but if I am ok to give my opinion, I think if you are able to keep them, then keep them, if you are unable to withstand the worry then for the sake of your health then maybe they should go but if I were you I'd keep them. As much as a pain in the arse winter is, it is but only three months of each year and from what I've been told and have read chickens are less active in the winter anyway. As for the young ones, I'm sure they'll figure it out eventually. As for the ducks, I have it on good authority, they don't sleep through the night and can be more active in the night than the day, they are not night blind although their eye sight not as sharp in the dark as by day, they can see enough to get around plus they rely on their senses and sharp hearing. Of the ponds around here the ducks (wild and domesticated ducks) play all through the night and some swim, so of your ducks there is every chance they could be going in and out through out the night any way. I know many believe chickens and ducks to be stupid but they are far from being stupid, chickens especially are amongst the list of animals (which includes dogs) easiest to train, so maybe the young ones aren't going in yet because they don't want to? - Just a thought, either way I hope you find a resolve soon, my heart goes out to you 


and I hope you remember to give yourself a great big pat on the back - you totally deserve it 