Chickens are ignoring their coop and nesting boxes

[Bergs]

We have 4 16 week old Golden Comets who have recently "flew the coop" and enjoy the run of the yard. They are not returning to the coop even at night. Should we be putting them in at night so that they become used to finding their nesting boxes when they are ready to lay? They have food, water and a place to roost in the coop.

 

[LynneP]

It's far safer in there. Do you have any reason to believe they are afraid of going in? Any sign of rodents or other dangers? I have golden comets and they adore going our at dawn and rushing in at sunset.

 

[Bergs]

Up until the last few nights they would always head back to the coop at dark. The coop is well protected. These are urban birds and we have no other pets or critters in the yard that would pose a threat.

 

[spook]

Rodents are around in all coops and can startle the birds. I would suggest that you give them a "bedtime snack". Our birds are given bread, left overs or scratch feed at there bedtime so that they go in, eager, and when its gone, they go up on perch to sleep.
Good luck and if you can, keep them in a few days to teach them that is home. Its not going to harm them to stay in, except if their to hot, so use your noggin there!