CHICKEN'S WON'T USE COOP!

[supermom]

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?

 

[ChickenToes]

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.

 

[gritsar]

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.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Quote:
I agree with Gritsar. That's the only way they'll start to associate the inside as their night-time home.

 

[chickiebaby]

Thre's another thread just like this posted at the same time, so look for that. All same ideas.

 

[vickig]

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.