Chickens first time out - now won't go in!

[fmk]

Hi - I've got 5 pullets who are about 17 weeks old. They were obviously raised inside as they had to be encouraged to go out of the coop into the chicken run on their first day - once outside they appeared to be very happy, however we have to physically put them back in the coop at night - when will they eventually get the message? Any tips appreciated. Also we don't have food in the coop at night - only water - is that ok?

 

[Robin'sBrood]

My little ones won't go inside without a light shining on the inside.

 

[valentinebaby]

I have a pink light (I'm sure any would do - it's just what they "grew up" with in their brooder) in their coop that comes on about 30 mins. before dark. On the 1st day, I sprinkled a few oats on the ladder to the inside of the coop and one by one they figured it out. The light goes off once i know they're all inside.

 

[shangri-lafarms]

yes the lights work well to get them inside, I do this as well.

 

[gritsar]

Lock them in their coop for a few days. They'll come to realize that the coop is home and where they should go to roost at night.

 

[fmk]

Thank for your help - the light did the trick. They all headed for the coop as soon as I switched it on at dusk

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Where are you that it's already past dusk?

 

[fmk]

Robin - I'm in Ireland - the other side of that big pond called the Atlantic Ocean - its 21.50 here now and pitch dark - Frank

 

[shangri-lafarms]

Quote: