Coop behaviors!

[Our Roost]

I introduced my hens to their new coop and run area a few weeks back. At first they were shy to the fenced run area and didnt venture far from the coop. Now they cant wait to be let out in the morning and almost stampede the run area flapping their wings and are running all over the place. We have been trying to put them back in the coop at night around 7:30 pm to protect them from night time predators. Not working very well as they are not ready to go in yet! Is this normal? We get most of them in and the rest start sneaking back out before we can shut the hatches and door. My girlfriend has called me several times and said they are just not cooperating and that she needs help! I laugh but its really not funny to her. Its almost a 2 person job and it literally wears us out! With daylight savings time it doesnt get dark out until around 9:30 pm or so. Cant stay up all night waiting for chickens to go to bed. I usually call it a night by then as I am an early riser. Any suggestions would be greatly helpful.

 

[so lucky]

You could try leaving them out a little longer. Chickens will usually go to roost at about the same time every evening, allowing for gradual changes in the day length, of course. Mine don't go in till about 8. Still light out but obviously getting darker. It will be much easier on you if you let them go in when their inner clock tells them to. They know where to go now. Occasionally a chicken will decide she wants to sleep outside. Then you gotta put her in or make up your mind that she can sleep outside. They are not usually long-lived, tho.
If you positively have to get them in the coop, you might try luring them in with goodies. This will take a little training, so they know that you have goodies. (Shake a coffee can, call them in a certain voice, etc.)

 

[Our Roost]

Thanks! I will suggest extending the time outside til 8:00 or 8:30 pm. If their inner clock hasnt worked by then I'm going to ring their bell! No outside sleepers allowed in this group. Too many critters out and about. We seen a bobcat on our back patio a few days ago. Probably picking up on their scent left from our breeder box bedding spread out in the woods to decompose. Hawks are pretty common in our area also. Thanks for the advice.