7 week old chicks finally outside!

[5chickenmutts]

New here- so great to have this site to peruse all the great info! Our 5 chicken mutt babies are outside 3 whole nights now! They don't want to be in the coop though, but gating them in. I'm paranoid of foxes and skunks getting them.
Any advice on getting them to want to be in for the night? We free range them most of the day. They go to the pen on their own, but want to sleep out next to the fencing. Being in Vermont, the nights are 50ish.
Thanks for any info!

 

[Dprod]

Im new to BYC. My chicks are nine weeks old and they have been outside for about two weeks. I have to pick them up and put them in the coop. They want to stay out. They love that they are finally out!! I would love to let them roam while we are home but... not sure they will stick around.

 

[Kevin565]

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[Fierlin1182]

Hi and

We had a similar situation with our young chicks.
You might have to physically put them inside for a few nights until they get the hang of the routine. That's good you've got them putting themselves to bed at least near the coop at night already!
Perhaps putting a small light inside the coop would encourage them to go inside when it gets dark.

Good luck, and I hope you find everything you need here.

 

[4-H chicken mom]

Hi and from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. I agree with the light. It helped me with my young ducks.