Bought Hens, How to get them to go in coop at night?

[markb816]

Just got into the chicken experience. I just bought 6 egg laying hens. I let them out of the coop today. They seemed to enjoy their new surroundings and stayed close to their coop. However, when the sun went down only one went back into the coop. The other 5 roosted in trees and on the ground. I had to grab each one and physically put them in the coop. My question is, how can I get my hens to go in the coop each night, so I don't have to chase them down each evening??...PLEASE HELP!!!

 

[prncssprplfrog]

From all that I've read, you need to keep them in the coop for a week or so before you let them out. Then they will associate the coop as "home" and go back there when ever there is danger or when it gets dark.

The ONLY time I've come home & found chickens huddled on the back portch (which is where their brooder was) is when the coop door had shut or when it was raining so hard that my rooster was soggy wet on the back porch scowling at me!

 

[ArizonaNessa]

Yep keep them in the coop for 1-2 weeks then one day just go out and open the door. At first they might not come out but just walk away and they will. When the sun starts to go down they will go right back in there all by themselves then you can just shut the door.

 

[prncssprplfrog]

Then you'll have moments where you have to ask your 13 yr old..."Did we shut the chickens up? OMG- we'd better go check!" Or- at least I do...

 

[ShaggysGirl]

I found with mine they go in at dusk if there is a light in the coop, then we turn off the light when we shut the pop door. Also new chickens should be kept in for 3 days so they figure out that is home and is where the food and water is.

 

[huckleberryfarm]

Mine have never gone in on their own! It's been pretty hilarious watching me, my husband and the children trying to catch them. But we don't live on the farm full-time so it's usually still daylight when we put them up. Maybe if it gets dark.... By the way, a fishing net works great.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Mine have rarely gone to their coop at night. MY BAD! I bought biddies and just basically raised them the same as a litter of pups. Catch each one, placing in the 34 gallon tote & bring them inside to the dog crate we used as their indoor coop. Hubby & I made so many poor choices, it's a total mystery my hen is alive!(she's one of my original 6 biddies)

We still wait for them to roost on my lawnmower handle, then carry them to their coop every night!

 

[lilredchick]

This is what I did, for about a week Id put all my hens in the coop at dusk, then let them out in the morning. After a week, they went in on their own. I dont think I could keep mine locked up in a coop for a week.

Try putting them in yourself for a week, and I think you'll be surprised that by the end of the week, you'll go out and they'll already be in.

let us know how it works out

 

[markb816]

*It worked!! After a few days of grabbing them out of roosting trees at dark, they now voluntarily go in the coop.
I also had a chance to add wood chips bedding, and I think they like that as well. But I haven't seen anymore eggs.

 

[Grungybones]

Quote:
Excellent Idea! I kept mine locked up in the coop for 1 solid day to try this out.. but of course my daughter who had not been informed of the plan let them out the next day... Last night they went in all by themselves!! The wife and I were so happy!!! I'm still smiling. It's the little things in life i guess.