the first few night you may have to put them up yourself but after that they should go in on there own and all you have to do is lock the door i did the same with my free range bantys but now they go in at night on there own and all i have to do it lock the door and back indoors for me
My chickens have always gone in as the light starts to drop. They need to know where they live so you need to give them time in their coop to ensure they know their home and then they should go to that safe place as it starts to get dark.
If they are used to roosting in this coop and know their food is there, they will return to it on their own. At least any chicken I've been associated with has behaved this way. Wayne
You need to keep them in your barn/coop/pen for a few days. Then let them out for a short time in the afternoon for a few days. Then let them out in the morning and watch them at dusk to be sure they go in. This should not be a big thing. They know where the food is and the water.
