Chickens are too chicken to go through chicken door?!?!?

[jamieg]

I put a cloth over the chicken coop door to help keep heat in/cold out. I had to physically pick them up and put them in the coop! Today, I opened there door and went to church. Got back and they still were in the coop!! Any ideas on helping them overcome their fears???

 

[Bantimna]

I don't know how this could help but at least I'll try.
What about a Auto-chicken door? This might help them, since IMO they think their coop door is like a "wall".
Some informations, Automatic Chicken Door

 

[secuono]

You might have to teach them, just like you have to teach dogs and cats how to use pet doors.

 

[Judy]

Just give them a little time. Help and show them til they get used to it. Chickens never like anything new.

 

[sharol]

How about tying it up 3/4 of the way and then when they get used to that, letting it down gradually until it is fully over the door (sort of like a window shade)?

 

[patandchickens]

Yes, you have to teach them to use it by pinning half (or more, for some very 'chicken' chickens) of it up out of the way for a few days or a week and then gradually letting it down.

But if you do that they *will* learn.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat