getting chickens into the house at night...REALLY NEED HELP!!

[jadude]

mine just walk inat night they lke security

 

[turtle1173]

When moving my 10 chickens to their new coop, I locked them up for 4 days inside it. After I let them out I was anxious to see what they would do at nightfall.

Sure enough, a couple of them started up the ramp. The rest followed except for the small silkie. It was kind of sad and funny but he was eating some grass and didn't see the last chicken go in. He looked up and noticed he was alone but he could hear them. He started running back and forth making noises. The other chickens would answer and then he would run back the other direction. Of course they were in the coop and he was running back and forth underneath it.

Anyway, I finally saved him from the endless marathon and put him in. The next night he was watching the others, LOL.

Shane

 

[tiki244]

AWE thats so cute!

Reminds me of my first chickens, as soon as it started getting dark out most would head for the coop. There was one particular chicken that was the 'round up boss' and would cheep really loud to call all of the straglers. It had a very insistent cheep and would not let up till everyone was in.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

What time are you trying to put them to bed....they don't like going to bed until sundown...here that means 8:30 about. THEN and only then do they go in willingly and peacefully. I know if I got to the house at 8:45 every one of them are sound asleep and I quietly close the door. If you try to put the away to early they don't like that

At least mine don't! Good luck!

 

[Cara]

We had a funny scene here last week. Some raccoons had got into my coop overnight and killed a lot of my birds. The cowboys seemed to take the death of the turkeys personally; apparently it's acceptable to like turkeys but not chickens. Anyway, the survivors needing shutting in their house so that I could catch everyone and move them to another barn. Watching them herd a flock of ducks, ducklings, turkeys and chickens was quite entertaining, and went surprisingly smoothly! The birds all filed calmly into the house. I don't know why they needed the spurs, but i'd enlist them again to help LOL

 

[mtnhomechick]

Turn a light on or hang one with an extension cord...........I did that and they went in right away..took about 3 nights and I didnt need it anymore

 

[richnchicks]

These stories are hilarious! ours were raised in the coop from 2 weeks old so they knew where they live. at 8:45 to 8:50 pm they automatically go in on their own every night. all we do is close the ramp and say goodnight. rich

 

[blueskylen]

What I do - i usually go out about 6:30 and let the girls out for about 1/2 hour, as our dog is not to be trusted. I let them run around, and when I am ready to put them in - i go get the metal coffee can and put their treats in it - sunflower seeds, corn, and calf mana - and start to shake it so that it rattles loudly. i then walk into their run, and the chickens follow me in to get their treat.

on the rare occasion that this doesn't work - i go back to my chair and sit there for about 5 minutes, then get up quickly and squalk while jumping up and down a bit. - they get all upset and think that something is after us and run to their pen. it is kind of funny looking, but works.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

These stories are hilarious! ours were raised in the coop from 2 weeks old so they knew where they live. at 8:45 to 8:50 pm they automatically go in on their own every night. all we do is close the ramp and say goodnight. rich

Yes, this is when mine go in just fine on their own too. If I try to get them in earlier they pitch a fit about it and fight me lol. If I just be patient and wait for THEM to tell ME when they want to go to bed all would be great

 

[CityChook]

My 9 week old BOs are still living indoors while we finish up the coop. Last week, they were out in the back yard in the heat of the day (granted, we're in MN, so it wasn't THAT HOT, but you get the point). I had closed up the house and turned on the air. When I went to check on them, all 4 were sitting on my back step, staring longingly through the glass door - those silly pullets wanted to come back in to the AC. Princesses.

BTW, they line up on the back step every evening while we eat dinner, 7:30ish, awaiting their "ride" back to their dog crate for treats and lights out. My kids go out, pick everyone up and carry them inside. Again.... princesses. Husband: shaking his head....