Chickens Won't Go Into Coop Help!

[CatDoctor]

I have 12 GLW and 1 NHR that are 16wks. They have always run into their coop in the evening when I put them to bed but Sunday night they refused and just ran about their yard. Same thing last night...and it took almost an hour to catch them all.
The only variable I can think of is that we cleaned their coop on Sunday and used a different brand of pine shavings.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!!! Thanks!

 

[azygous]

Don't you have a run where you can entice the flock to gather near sunset? Most chickens will head for cover as dusk approaches if you leave them to their instincts instead of chasing them around the yard.

Training chickens to come when you signal them is very easy and takes very little time to set into habit. Simply offer treats while using an audio cue such as a clicker or a word or a container with grain rattling inside. It will surprise you how quickly they learn.

They will also get used to the new shavings if you leave them to deal with it on their own. But calling them into the coop with a treat will definitely grease the way.

 

[feathermaid]

Have they roosted outside for the entire night? Or are they just late going to bed? I agree that they'll just get used to new shavings on their own. I use poop boards under the roosts and only change coop shavings once a year.

How well did you clean the coop... did you use sanitizers or spray with permethrin? Is your coop old or new? I'm just wondering if red mites could be the problem. They hide in tiny crevices and corners and only come out at night to feed, they don't stay on the bird during the day. You can take a white paper towel and wipe the underside of the roosts to see if there's any red streaks left from mites. Chickens don't like to go in places with creepy crawlies.

 

[CatDoctor]

They always went into their coop from their run on their own with no problem or enticing. This happened very suddenly on Sunday.
So you think they'll eventually get used to the new shavings?

 

[feathermaid]

They always went into their coop from their run on their own with no problem or enticing. This happened very suddenly on Sunday.
So you think they'll eventually get used to the new shavings?

If you think mites are absolutely not present, then yes. You can also add a thin layer of shavings to the run and scatter some treats on top so they have no choice but to realize the shavings are completely harmless. Are they going in the coop at all during the day?

 

[so lucky]

Are they pine shavings or cedar shavings? Unless they were vastly different than what you had in there, I doubt it would make any difference.
Are the chickens going into the coop then running out again? Are they not gathering near the coop at dusk to preen and eat a little more as a bedtime snack? They can be enticed into the run with a little scratch feed or grapes...any food, really.
Was it darker in the coop than usual for some reason, like if there were more doors or windows closed? It is getting dark pretty early now, so if it was dark in their coop, they may not have been able to see inside, and chickens aren't too keen on going into a dark area. You may have to put a flashlight in there till they get in and get settled for the night. I need to put in a dim light in my coop because the girls can't find their roost when it is dark.
Another reason chickens won't go into their run or coop is that there could be something in there scaring them. A rat, a bird, snake, etc.

 

[CatDoctor]

All good thoughts. I'm sure it's not mites, but it's possible something got into the coop during the day...and I assume they're going in during the day because their regular food is eaten. Will have to try raisins and a flashlight.
Thanks again!

 

[aart]

The only variable I can think of is that we cleaned their coop on Sunday and used a different brand of pine shavings.

That'll do it!
Chickens don't like change!
I save back some of the old shavings to spread atop the new ones,
seems to alleviate their distress at the new shavings.

 

[azygous]

I just experienced this issue last night after installing spanking fresh new sand in the coops. My six month old youngsters were dragging their feet more than usual about going into their coop to roost. It was getting pretty dark, and I filled a bowl full of dry feed, which they think is a yummy treat since they normally eat fermented feed, and I place it inside on the new sand. They all immediately zipped inside. Food definitely trumps all.

 

[CatDoctor]

That'll do it!
Chickens don't like change!

Yup! I went out and bought some of the old brand of shavings and they went right in on their own last night!
Sorry if the quote doesn't come out right...I'm still learning to navigate here...