Chickens won't roost at dark

[Angry Perch]

I have 5 hens around 12 weeks old. They've been in the coop/ run for a few weeks. They will move from the run to the coop at/ before dark, but won't get on the roost. I go out after dark, open the door, and shine a flashlight up to light the roost, and one by one they jump up, and stay for the night. Should I keep doing this (or something else) or just let them figure it out?
Thanks

 

[GC-Raptor]

A nightlight in their coop so they can see to get on the roost. Shut off the light when you lockup.
If you don't have electricity in the coop, a battery operated light will work. Turn on an hour before sunset.
I have one in my coop, (in case the power goes out) that I got at a grocery store in the light bulb isle. It looks like a wall switch. It comes with sticky tape to hang it and screws. I screwed it to a beam next to the people door. I can lift up to remove and change the batteries. I also have a couple in my house in case the power goes out. GC

 

[rosemarythyme]

Definitely sounds like it's too dark in the coop for them to easily see the roost. I prefer natural lighting so I have windows oriented towards the sunrise/sunset, but if that's not available then you'll need to provide lighting inside during dusk.

 

[sourland]

Is there a window in the coop or the possibility of installing a window ?

 

[starri33]

Thanks for the question and the answers so far, I live in the desert and when there is no moon, it will be blacker than black, I'm in the process of building a new coop, would lighting you think be needed? Mine have perches in their old coop and seemed to do ok with it.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Thanks for the question and the answers so far, I live in the desert and when there is no moon, it will be blacker than black, I'm in the process of building a new coop, would lighting you think be needed? Mine have perches in their old coop and seemed to do ok with it.

It's fine if it's pitch black in the middle of the night. It just makes things a lot easier IMO to have windows that can catch the fading light at dusk, so that lighting the coop won't be necessary.

 

[starri33]

It's fine if it's pitch black in the middle of the night. It just makes things a lot easier IMO to have windows that can catch the fading light at dusk, so that lighting the coop won't be necessary.

Thank you, the new coop will have windows so that should help.

 

[aart]

Windows are good and important for many reasons...
...but with young birds that light at dusk can really help.
I have used a battery operated puck light to lure them in as GC raptor describes.
Should only take a few nights......or more..some catch on quick, others not so much.
Have had one batch of chicks get it after one night, other batches took a couple weeks.