Chooks refuse to go into coop at night

[Phantom Trucker]

I have 5 chickens that leave the coop in the morning when I open it, but refuse to go back in at night. When it gets dark they just bed down somewhere in their run. I have been collecting them every night for a week and putting them in the coop, but they don't get it. They are about 8 weeks old. I have seen them climb the ramp to the coop during the day, so I know they can do it. Any advice?

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Is there a light on in the coop? If not, try one & see if they go in after dark.

 

[mdulik]

I will give you the same advice everyone gave me... leave them locked in the coup for about a week until they know that it home and that is where they are supposed to be.. They will eventually get it.. I spent two weeks doing the daily chicken round up and it got old.. after putting them in lock down, they got the point.. hope this helps

 

[artsyrobin]

the light helps, also we carried them in at nite and gave them yogurt for a treat, took about a week before they finally figured it out- for their safety, just bedding down in the run won't protect them

 

[Phantom Trucker]

They were in there for about 4 weeks straight before being let out. I'll try the light idea and see if that works tomorrow night.

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I was doing the chick roundup as well. I put a light inside the coop and they all went in the very first night now I dont bother they go in just before sunset.

 

[StormyMoon]

Quote:
Thank you for posting this, I was wondering what I will do when I put them out in the coop.

 

[silkieowner]

Hi i had the same problem with my silkie hens they wouldn't go in the coop at night or come out, i was carrying them in and out that always went back in. A week later we went out for dinner so didn't get a chance to put them in the coop when i got home they were in the coop, almost 2 weeks later they are finally coming out and going back in at night.
Have you thought about leaving them and see if they will go by themselfs.

 

[Chickenfarmer 1-2-b]

The first time I tried to round them up with a broom/scrub stick. Took some effort the 1st time. The two following days, they ran into their coop as soon as they see the broom stick coming out, lol. After that they all went into their coop on their own in late afternoon, it was a pleasant surprise. I supposed they are smart and not too difficult to train.

Andy

 

[Phantom Trucker]

I turned on the light shortly before dark and they were in there when I checked an hour later. Thanks for the tip!