/ Register

  1. If this is your first time on BYC, we suggest you start with one of these three options:
    Raising Chickens Chicken Coops Join BYC
    Not a member yet? join BYC here & then introduce yourself in our community forum here.

CHICKEN'S WON'T USE COOP!

Discussion in 'Chicken Behaviors and Egglaying' started by supermom, Sep 10, 2008.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Sep 10, 2008 #1
    supermom

    supermom In the Brooder

    46
    0
    32
    Sep 10, 2008
    I have built a beautiful coop: included nest boxes and roost. It is clean and well ventilated. Problem is, my stupid birds roost on the roof and I have to pick them up every night and put them in the coop so I can lock it. The coop is in an inclosed run but I feel safer with them inside. Also, what's gonna happen if they start laying eggs up there?! The eggs will roll off and land on the floor.
    GEEZ, what am I supposed to do?
     
  2. Sep 10, 2008 #2
    ChickenToes

    ChickenToes Songster

    2,141
    5
    191
    May 14, 2008
    NE Wisconsin
    Try putting them in the coop before they begin to roost at night. That way you can herd them right in the door. After a few days of this they should get the idea.
     
  3. Sep 10, 2008 #3
    gritsar

    gritsar Cows, Chooks & Impys - OH MY!

    28,906
    163
    408
    Nov 9, 2007
    SW Arkansas
    I would suggest locking them up in the coop for several days, if not a week. They need to get the idea that the inside of the coop is home.
     
  4. Sep 10, 2008 #4
    Buff Hooligans

    Buff Hooligans Scrambled

    12,147
    206
    311
    Jun 11, 2007
    Quote:I agree with Gritsar. That's the only way they'll start to associate the inside as their night-time home.
     
  5. Sep 10, 2008 #5
    chickiebaby

    chickiebaby Songster

    1,445
    3
    171
    Jan 2, 2008
    western mass
    Thre's another thread just like this posted at the same time, so look for that. All same ideas.
     
  6. Sep 10, 2008 #6
    vickig

    vickig Songster

    163
    1
    119
    May 26, 2008
    Texas
    Lock em up. When ever I bring new hens home I leave them in at least a week. They seem to figure it all out by watching.
     

BackYard Chickens is proudly sponsored by: