Chickens in coop

[TheChickMan]

I have 8 chickens and a duck that have both a large coop and a large run. The problem is at night instead of going into the coop they would rather stick the the ground with the duck. I am having to put them one at a time into the coop along with the duck at night. It is very frustrating! Is tit neccessary to put them in the coop if they are happy on the gound huddled up with that duck? Will they eventually learn to go in the coop with age. The have been outside permantly for about a week( no going back to the brooder at night). What should I do?

 

[ChickenPeep]

Are they safe in the run? Make sure the run is secured. If it is then it doesn't matter too much. Where are you located? If it gets cold at night then they need to go in the coop.

 

[TheChickMan]

it is still nippy where we are at in missouri at night but should warm up soon. So far nothing has tried to get in the coop, but there has been a possum hanging around. I think they just do ehat the duck does cuz they sorta follow it around like a big momma. Will they eventually start going to the coop or continue their habit of staying on the ground now.

 

[devora]

I am having to put them one at a time into the coop along with the duck at night. It is very frustrating! Is tit neccessary to put them in the coop if they are happy on the gound huddled up with that duck? Will they eventually learn to go in the coop with age.

You are a lucky person if this is what ya call frustrating.

It takes a week, just a week. The ground leaves them more vulnerable, it can be colder, and it's not as clean. So, yeah, it's necessary to take a week and show them where to roost.

I actually love this part of raising birds.

After they learn you do not usually have to reteach them.