Bedtime

[BLUEYMOM]

I've had my 9 week old girls for 2 days now. Today they went up and down the ladder to the brooding area. They have 2 windows in there and a nice breeze but starting to get dark and I found myself picking them up to go there for the night. Should I be waiting for them to roost themselves? I don't want them walking around in the run after dark so is there a way to coax them?

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

The only way is to put them in yourself the first few days. After a week or so, they get the idea and start going in by themselves

 

[BLUEYMOM]

The only way is to put them in yourself the first few days. After a week or so, they get the idea and start going in by themselves

Thank you! I don't mind, but trying to avoid them expecting it every night forever

 

[Akrause57]

I kept mine in the coop for 4 full days before letting them into the run. First day when they had full access I went out at 8 and they had all made their way back into the coop and were roosting! Maybe try keeping them locked in for a few days so they know it is a safe spot

 

[BLUEYMOM]

I kept mine in the coop for 4 full days before letting them into the run. First day when they had full access I went out at 8 and they had all made their way back into the coop and were roosting! Maybe try keeping them locked in for a few days so they know it is a safe spot

The run is under the coop which is raised and extends out about 5 feet. They will have more room to roam after we get this roosting thing down to a routine. So basically they are confined to limited area.

 

[EmilyRobb]

@BLUEYMOM you could either keep them where you want them to roost for an extended period of time (maybe a few days) or you could try to show them where to go at night by herding them in around dusk night after night. That's what I did anyways and soon enough my flock was going inside when the sun started setting