Buffs won't go into coop at night

[rustybry]

Hi
Newbie here. We have 12 new pullets. 3 Rhode Island Reds, 4 Silver laced wydonettes and 5 Buff Orpingtons. All the birds go into the loft area at night except for the Buffs. We have to manually put them in at night. We brought them all home last Monday, the 17th. The Buffs went in the first 2 nights--since then they haven't. Any suggestions? TIA

 

[BYCforlife]

Hey, rustybry!

! I would suggest you post this question in this section of BYC: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/18/chicken-behaviors-and-egglaying

Have fun!

 

[rustybry]

Thanks. I found that section after I posted it here.

 

[BYCforlife]

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - great that you have joined us and congrats on your new flock.

You can try putting a flashlight in the coop - it tends to attract chickens to the coop (you can turn the flashlight off, once they are inside). It may also be a good idea to consider the size of your coop and roost space. If the omega birds feel threatened and cannot find a safe roosting spot, they may be reluctant to enter the coop.

Best wishes
CT

 

[drumstick diva]

I think the problem may be aggressive roost mates that are harassing them. Buff orps are a docile breed and as such get picked on. I don't know much about Wyandottes but, have heard often of RIR being very aggressive.

 

[Teila]

Hello again rustybry

I agree that a light of some description may be of assistance until they get used to settling in the coop. I heard a great tip the other day to use a solar garden light or similar; charge it in the sun during the day and it will gradually fade during the evening with no need for batteries or electricity etc.

However, I also agree with Diva that they might be getting bullied

 

[rustybry]

Thanks all. We will try a light tonight and hope that does the trick. I hope they aren't being bullied

. Will let you know how it goes.

 

[rustybry]

Yay! I am not sure what worked but tonight the girls were all in the roost! Today was the first time we let them out of the run into the fence area and they were very busy today. I put a light like you suggested about 10 minutes before sundown. I went out to check on them and they all were inside the roost! I double checked then said goodnight and secured their door! Thank you!! You guys are awesome!

 

[Teila]

Yay! I am not sure what worked but tonight the girls were all in the roost! Today was the first time we let them out of the run into the fence area and they were very busy today. I put a light like you suggested about 10 minutes before sundown. I went out to check on them and they all were inside the roost! I double checked then said goodnight and secured their door! Thank you!! You guys are awesome!

That is great news!