Chickens don't seem to like new coop

[Sunflower]

Our 9 chickens range from 9-6 weeks old. been hanging out in the former dog pen (sorry Cassie) during the day for a couple of weeks now while the weathers good. Then we herd them back in to our garage where their pen is and they've been since about 2 weeks old.
We've spent a LOT of time on our new coop. We just set it out this weekend. I think they're scared of it. The batams don't seem to mind it, but the big chickens steer clear. The chickens look at us from out in the yard, waiting to come inside to their garage coop we raised them in.
Any ideas? Is this normal to have spoiled chickens? Has anyone else had this problem?
I'd load a picture but I'm not sure how to. It is so cute. My dh is a little let down as I am as well!!

 

[michellerene]

They'll adjust. They're just used to the old routine & need to learn the new one.

 

[Mac in Wisco]

It will just take them a while to get used to it. They don't know anything different. Put them in there and close the door for the night. Even farmers who pasture their birds from movable coops don't move the coops too far at one shot, otherwise the birds will hang out where the coop used to be when it comes time to roost for the night. Just give 'em some guidance...

 

[Sunflower]

Ok, ok. Tomorrow's the night! I'll put them in and shut the door.

I just worry about them too - how does the old saying go - something about an empty nest? I know they're just going out to the back yard. But we worked very hard and it's safe and warm and they'll be fine.
I guess it just surprised us that they wouldn't take to it right away.
Thanks for all your responses. I just love this website!! You are all so caring. Someday maybe I'll have some good advise to give people!

 

[Mac in Wisco]

They're goofy that way. For the past year mine have had a ladder type roost and some milk crates on the floor for nests. They never really liked the milk crates, they would push them aside and lay eggs behind them. This weekend I decided to do some remodeling and make a different roost and put nest boxes on the wall. I made a shelf about two feet high, set the milk crates on it and put a sloped board above so they wouldn't roost on top of the crates. They were annoyed that I was in there in the morning during their laying period and before I could even finish they were jumping up into the milk crates to lay...

It took them two seconds to figure out what the crates on the shelf were for.

I replaced the ladder type roost with two 2x2s that stretched the width of the coop. Not much different, but on a different wall. They went in at dusk and came back out, went in, back out, went in, stood there and looked all around. After about an hour one of them decided to try out the new roost and it took another half hour for the rest to join. By the second night they had it all figured out...

 

[Sunflower]

That is so funny. We get such a kick out of our chickens.
You were all right - they caught on after the second day and seem to like their new place just fine.