Chicks won’t go in coop...

[Joryem]

So it might have been a mistake, but due to lack of space in our initial brooder for our 6 chicks and two Pekins, we put our coop/run together in the basement, put cardboard around the run and adding heating lamps. They are all approximately 5 weeks old and have been in the run almost 3 weeks. My husband built a kit coop on a frame so we can add wheels and attached an extra coop to the bottom for the ducks. The actual coops have been closed and they have been in the run only.

This weekend I decided to open the chicken coop only so they will acclimate to only to the second story before giving the ducks access to their place. But they will not go up in it! I put them all in it yesterday and all but one exited as quickly as they could. One actually wouldn’t leave. I think she was scared. Now I’m not sure what to do. I’ve read to lock them in, but do I have to? It’s such a small space and to add food and water will make it smaller. Should I just be patient and let them discover it on their own? If I do lock them in, can I only do it for the night? And do I have to block off the nest boxes?

Thanks for the guidance! I am a newbie.

 

[SavKel&RynKel]

Its a new place for them, they don't think it's home, they don't feel safe.
If you put them in there every night jist before sunset, lock them in, and let them out in the morning... They will get accustomed to it after a little bit.

Good luck!
Ryn.

 

[featherhead007]

Your coop is way too small, how are you gonna crawl in and sleep with your birds?
......I'm kidding

 

[Joryem]

Its a new place for them, they don't think it's home, they don't feel safe.
If you put them in there every night jist before sunset, lock them in, and let them out in the morning... They will get accustomed to it after a little bit.

Good luck!
Ryn.

Thanks...that’s what I am thinking.

 

[Joryem]

Your coop is way too small, how are you gonna crawl in and sleep with your birds?
......I'm kidding

I KNOW right? Ha! I love these birds like crazy.

 

[featherhead007]

I KNOW right? Ha! I love these birds like crazy.

Yep, they sure are extra special

 

[lazy gardener]

I do hope that is only temporary housing. Chickens need 4 s.f. of coop space, and 10 s.f. of run space per bird. Ducks need way more space than that. If you end up with a drake, he very well may kill your chickens when he reaches sexual maturity.

At 5 weeks of age, they should be weaned off heat.

 

[featherhead007]

Squawk!

 

[PetesChicks]

I agree with @lazy gardener, that coop is way too small for 6 chickens. Also, the 4/10 is the minimum you want for chickens, bigger is better. You already realize that it’s a small space to lock them into, and they are still babies. Imagine them full grown, on a windy rainy day when they want to be inside. Or, depending on your location, a freezing cold blizzard. They will have lots of problems and fights if they are cooped up in such a small coop.

That does look like a great brooder or coop for segregation, though.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Squawk!View attachment 1368449

Lol. And maybe put there food or favorite snack in the upper part