Chickens will not go in coop at night - tried everything I’ve found

[WhatTheDuckingDuck]

Good call; its hardware cloth (1 cm squares would be my best guess).

Fantastic!

 

[Rhonda Sue]

I'm wondering if your roost bar is too high.

What's your weather like right now?

Most days mid 80s during the day, upper 60-70s at night. Currently raining and cooler today (68). All Golden Laced Wyandottes (forgot to mention that; not sure it matters). I'm certainly willing to lower the roost. This coops roost is way lower than our last coop (4.5' off floor) just due to a different footprint/layout. That was why we pulled the other roost out; I was thinking they might not have had enough room to "fly" up.

 

[Rhonda Sue]

I had the same problem. I put one of these battery operated light switch lights in the coop and after a couple nights no longer had to turn it on. It worked! It cost only a couple bucks. I bought them originally to use in my dark closet! I just placed it by the door way inside. Then after everyone was inside I just went outside and turned it off. Easy peasy. Hope this helps! Also, I just keep it in the coop now in case I need to turn the light on. It's pretty handy. Harbour Freight, Walmart, lots of places carry them.

I just ordered one of these from Amazon. Hopefully this in conjunction w/ other ideas I receive will get them "trained" properly. Thank you!

 

[aart]

I was thinking they might not have had enough room to "fly" up.

Flying up is easy, it's flying down that can be crashmaking.
I'd lower the roosts with the small foot print of that coop.

Are your soffits open for ventilation?
Would be good for winter ventilation.

Oh, and.... Welcome to Posting on BYC! @Rhonda Sue
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[Rhonda Sue]

Flying up is easy, it's flying down that can be crashmaking.
I'd lower the roosts with the small foot print of that coop.

Are your soffits open for ventilation?
Would be good for winter ventilation.

Oh, and.... Welcome to Posting on BYC! @Rhonda Sue
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2236433

Thank you aart. I just added my location. We are lowing the roost tonight. I really appreciate everyone's feedback and support.