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!!!

 

[paddock36]

You will either need to lock them in there for a few days or put them in each night for a few days if you can't lock them in. After a few days then they will go in on their own.

 

[Dogfish]

Banty or regular sized chickens?

Keep them in the coop and run for a few days. Intriduced my chicks to their coop/run last weekend. They go in like clockwork. Kept them in the coop for the first few days. They get to free range next weekend for the first time. Baby steps.

 

[teach1rusl]

Yep, as others have said, they have to KNOW that this is their home/safety zone. So you will need to confine them for a few days. If you have electricity in the coop, you can also put a small light out there. Mine seem to know that light means safety too. Plus a light is just nice for you when you make trips out to the coop at night...lol.

 

[ksct]

definately put a light in there. I've found, they're slightly afraid of the dark.

If their home is dark they won't want to go in. Also you may have to put them in there for a couple nights but while there's a light on, they'll understand after a few days (nights) tha'ts what they need to do.
We had the same problem. Now if we get home late and it's dark out and they don't have a light on.... they're already 'tucked' in and we just have to shut their door.
they'll get the hang of it after, well i'd say it shouldn't take longer than a week as long as you help them along.

good luck!