First night out and no door between coop and run question...

[Hollytree10]

Hey--I inherited my raised coop and run and there is no door between the two. This is their first night out and I am worried that they will never learn to go into the coop and roost. I don't know how to make them since the two structures are attached--will they just want to roost and go in there? I am not even sure they are big enough to fly up there to the indoor roost. They are 6 weeks tomorrow---any thoughts or advice?

 

[Panth]

super easy solution - if you can get power out there. Rig a heat lamp over the roost, brooder raised chicks actually imprint on the heat lamp and this will both show them exactly where it is safe to perch and will work as a night light in case they get scared.

 

[Judy]

It's natural for them to go inside and on the roost at night, as adults -- although they may have to be taught at first. Six weeks may be a bit young to roost; I'd work on getting them inside (bribe with treats) at dusk if they don't go on their own. They may need to get several weeks older before they start roosting on their own. At this age mine usually sleep grouped together on a pile of hay or in a nest box. I've never had to stop the little ones from sleeping in nests -- so far they have all started roosting on their own. Knock on wood.

 

[1muttsfan]

Block off the door and keep them inside for a few days. They will go in on their own after that.

 

[Hollytree10]

Thanks y'all...I had been weening them off the lamp this week--should I still take it out there?

 

[Panth]

they shouldn't need the heat at all, but I use mine the first week they are in the coop as a sort of security blanket

 

[Hollytree10]

Yes--I decided that too---I have the red lamp and familiar bedding in the coop. Still no door, but they all went in, got on the roost, got off, and started screaming like I was murdering them I imagine they were yelling "I DON"T LIKE CHANGE" at me, and I just left them cause I couldn't stand it. I am sure I will get up 5 times tonight to check on them!

 

[ChickNhood]

Block off the door and keep them inside for a few days. They will go in on their own after that.

agreed...after a couple of days of forced confibement they will know where home is

 

[chicken pickin]

Adding the heat lamp is a good decision at least for a few days til they are more "at home". Is your run predator safe? I would be nervous leaving my little ones not actually locked into their coop but thats just me (and i do literally lock them in key and all lol).

 

[Hollytree10]

The run and the coop are both elevated and predator proof. But I can't reach the opening between the two very easily at all...so I am ok with them just thinking of the whole construction as home, but it would be nice if they slept inside on the roost.