Altering my terrible TS coop.

[FrannyLW]

Hey @FrannyLW! Welcome to BYC!! Glad to meet another Jerseyan.
So tell us a bit more about your flock and coop. It will be easier to undestand why your birds aren't going inside.
How old are your birds? How many do you have? And how long have you had them? It would be super helpful if you were able to upload some pictures of the coop from different angles so we can see what you did, and a few of the inside to see if there's something in the indoor arrangement they don't like.
New jersey can be windy and we're famous for our ice storms.
Oh, and pictures of your chickens....just because we loooove chickens!

You might have seen pictures of my flock from several months ago. I will have to post newer pics when I have time. I have 6 6-month olds. 3 roosters unfortunately and 3 hens. As of right now, they all get along, except the 1 rooster has jumped at me twice already, 3 strikes he’s out. But he’s a wild and crazy looking guy lol. He is the one that tells everyone to go inside around 5. Not sure what time they all go outside to sleep. My coop looks like yours, that’s where I got the idea of closing it up.

 

[FrannyLW]

@FrannyLW is the coop inside a protected run? If not your birds are in danger from dozens of various breeds of critters. Raccoons, fox, dogs, cats, owls...everything loves to eat tasty chicken.

Yes, the coop itself is in a 10’ x 10’ run, fully enclosed.

 

[Cryss]

I just realised we communicated awhile back. I've had a quick look at some of your other threads. 3 roosters? Ouch. Not good for your gals. The ratio standard is 1 rooster to 10 hens so that the hens arent overly attended to by the boys and end up featherless, injured, or even dead. As for your #1 rooster, he's young and being flooded with hormones. All he knows is that he MUST protect his ladies. If there is nothing to protect them from he is still in full Sir Lancelot mode, prepared to take on anything that isn't chicken. And guess what. You're not a chicken, making you the only thing he can find to protect his ladies from. Don't invite him to dinner just yet. He's already looking out for the gals, calling them to bed, protecting them from the tall being with scary hands. He is still young and can he taught with patience. I have an accidental rooster Roopecca. He was attacking hubby and I all the time. There are several ways described on this site on how to train them. Some say tuck him under your arm as you do your chores so he sees you're not a threat. Some say rule over him by chasing him away from food and away from the flock whenever you are in the area. Some say pick him up, press him to the ground with your left hand while pinching the skin of the back of his neck and push his head down too, like making him lie down. Hold him there until he becomes quiet and still for several seconds. This "humiliates" him and eventually he recognises you as the boss. And some say just ignore his attacks as if they aren't happening and he will give up. I'm sure others can chime in to give links to those posts. I'm terrible about finding links.
For myself, making him lie down and pinching his neck seemed to work. It had to be done every single time he attacked. First couple times he came back to retaliate so I just did it again. I also used the Ignore him tact. When I went in I didn't walk around him but made my way through him at a normal, non rushed way as if he wasn't even there. I find having a bit of snack for them helps a bit as he pays more attention to the treat than to me. He is now a year old and mostly ignores me. Once in awhile he will "fluff" at me, kinda like reminding me that he's the man here. It looks like an attack but often fails to make contact, or just a "bump". I pretend I didn't see it and continue on.
He started out life as a timid sweet chick. He became a huge PITA. Now he's a good rooster. I never wanted a rooster but I'd never get rid of him now, and I'm not planning to let him reproduce. He has health issues I don't want passed down. Give your boy time to grow up and into his hormones. As for the other 2, I'd find homes for them unless you're planning to quickly have 30 or more hens.
Btw, if you aren't planning on hatching chicks you don't need any rooster at all, in which case you may want to rehome all three.
Good luck! I look forward to hearing all about how it goes!

 

[FrannyLW]

I actually prefer the other two roosters over him. And one of those two....,well, he started with a female name until she turned into a he, “Chica” but Chica still can’t crow like the others. He still looks like half rooster half hen lol.

 

[Cryss]

I actually prefer the other two roosters over him. And one of those two....,well, he started with a female name until she turned into a he, “Chica” but Chica still can’t crow like the others. He still looks like half rooster half hen lol.

Kinda like Roopecca. I almost thought he was a pullet trying to take the place if a rooster.
Keep in mind, current rooster it s top dog. He keeps other males subdued. When/if you remove him from the flock one of the other cockerels will step up and take his place so you will get the same agression. Just pick the cockerel you like best and be ready to train him.
Ooh wait, now I gotta go find your pictures again. I wanna see these boys!

 

[FrannyLW]

View attachment 1615809 I will do updated pictures. They are so much more handsome now. The main man, (his name is Cock, I know I know my husband named him) he is not that aggressive. He did jump at me but in no means does he go right at me when I walk into the coop. And when I pick him up, or any of them, they just cuddle in my arms. they are all born in mid-June so all still a bit easy going. I do want just one rooster for the flock tho. Most likely it will be Chica. Even tho the other one, PotPie, is one gorgeous rooster I can't take my eyes off him! Glad I'm not a chicken! lol

 

[FrannyLW]

View attachment 1615809 I will do updated pictures. They are so much more handsome now. The main man, (his name is Cock, I know I know my husband named him) he is not that aggressive. He did jump at me but in no means does he go right at me when I walk into the coop. And when I pick him up, or any of them, they just cuddle in my arms. they are all born in mid-June so all still a bit easy going. I do want just one rooster for the flock tho. Most likely it will be Chica. Even tho the other one, PotPie, is one gorgeous rooster I can't take my eyes off him! Glad I'm not a chicken! lol

 

[FrannyLW]

View attachment 1615810

 

[FrannyLW]

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[purslanegarden]

Just remember that chickens do not care about how pretty their chicken house looks. Keep it safe and well-ventilated, and they should be very happy!