Chickens won't go to bed

[serprise]

I went out to put them up and they were already in the coop tonight

 

[chickkrzi]

Great. Didn't think you had any major problems. You just had some girls that wanted to party all night. Just keep up what your doing. And keep a check on them this summer, they may regress back to late night partying. Good luck.

 

[Cwg6126]

We have tried this since you suggested it and it appears to be working. Many thanks.

 

[serprise]

these past couple weeks while making sure they go to bed at sunset (they have been) I've been setting them on the perch, last night I only had to set 1 up there (fewest yet!) so I'm thinking they'll be perching on their own too. With the sunset app on my phone that goes off 10 min after sunset each day it makes training their habits pretty darn easy. I've been having to deal with their behaviors since spring, I wish I knew how simple it was to train them earlier. As simple as it is, at least know I know what to do. I'm guessing any new chickens I get will be introduced into my flock and they should learn from the others which will make life easier next time. Thank you for your help

 

[betsycam]

I'm glad to hear the OP is having success with retraining! I am having a problem with some new pullets going to bed not because they don't try but because my white leghorn girls, who have been here longer, won't let them come in! Given the chance, the older chickens will roost in the tree next to the coop (I guess that's a leghorn trait) and then the pullets have a chance to go into the coop on their own. Then I have to force the tree-roosters to get in the coop. However, if they are already in when the pullets try to go to bed, the doorway is too small and the older hens run and scare the pullets back out. I'm hoping eventually that everyone will settle down and get along.

 

[808inVA]

Is there anything in your yard that would act as a stimulus to get them to head in for the night? I have a noisy yard light that is their cue, as soon as it starts buzzing and flickers on they turn in for the night. Unless one goes broody and disappears in the tall grass they are always in the coop waiting for one of us to lock the door for the night.