Get chicks to go into coop at night?

Well, I tried tomatoes tonight which they love, but it was about the same. Little stinker rooster and a hen who seems to think she is second in charge and all cozied up to the rooster ran around stirring everyone up. I watched them go up and down the ramp all evening; jump on the platform and fly off; just moseying around the coop; in and out. But when I try to put them in, oh my goodness. They want the tomatoes on the landing, but they look at the ramp like "what is that? I cant imaging putting my feet on that?" They stretch their necks up to try to get them but wont get on the ramp. So I had to catch them again. I think I will try to lure/catch the rooster first next time. Part of the problem is that the mosquitoes are so bad, it's hard to wait while they wander around because you get so eaten up, even with spray on. Maybe I'll put tomatoes in the coop a few times a day so the only way they get them is to go in the coop. I think the others would be calm and cooperative if the rooster and his side kick weren't causing trouble.
 
Night 3: I got home after 9 tonight thinking I would find the chick pile with sleepy chicks, but they had already put themselves in the coop and were all on the roost too!! Amazing!!
 
My coops Roost is level to the other part of the coop. They huddle in the corner of "Roost area now" , should I block that area till they are older. The coop is not that big. The Roost area has a divider you can place later to make two Roosting beds. Any feedback?
 
Jessica and Peanutsmomma, Thanks for your input! They are putting themselves to bed regularly now. They are so cute when I go out to check them and shut the door. They peer down at me from the roost with little chicken faces. So funny! I am relieved. They are growing up!! I am a happy momma! :)
 
My coops Roost is level to the other part of the coop. They huddle in the corner of "Roost area now" , should I block that area till they are older. The coop is not that big. The Roost area has a divider you can place later to make two Roosting beds. Any feedback?

I believe that you need to block off the area that they will lay eggs in or they will get in the habit of sleeping in the nesting boxes. I started with a roost in the brooder that was low to the ground. The roosts in my coop are tree branches that we secured to the walls. They are about a foot and a half above the coop floor and so fare everyone seems to be getting up there. I had some huddle and some fly up for a day. But they like to be together so they eventually all follow the leader.
 
Jessica and Peanutsmomma, Thanks for your input! They are putting themselves to bed regularly now. They are so cute when I go out to check them and shut the door. They peer down at me from the roost with little chicken faces. So funny! I am relieved. They are growing up!! I am a happy momma! :)

You are very welcome Coastal Chick! I know what you mean, when I go make my last bedtime security check and see our sweet babies on the roost and they start that contented cooing noise it absolutely melts my heart.
 

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