Getting chickens to go back to coop

[hembreyfarm]

So I'm new to chickens and we put our around 10 week old chickens out in the coop about 3 weeks ago. I've been letting 2 or 3 out at a time to explore the yard and barn but I'm having a difficult time getting them back into the coop, I always have to catch them. I've been using treats to persuade them in but that doesn't seem to get them in. Any advice?

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC. Try putting a flashlight in the coop. As darkness begins to fall, they should be attracted to go where its lighter. You can then turn off the flashlight.


Hope that helps
CT

 

[NHdeerhunter]

Hey there,
I'm brand new to owning birds myself. I hane noticed that my cihcks will chase a laser pointer around as dilligently as a kitten haha. I'm not sure if yours would follow one as well? Not that its training them, but may at least help you get them inside.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under hembreyfarm

Welcome!

Ken’s suggestion is what I would do initially. Good luck.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[Teila]

Hey there,
I'm brand new to owning birds myself. I hane noticed that my cihcks will chase a laser pointer around as dilligently as a kitten haha. I'm not sure if yours would follow one as well? Not that its training them, but may at least help you get them inside.

I would love to see that!

Do you have a video or can you get a video to share with us?

 

[drumstick diva]

You can also lock them in the coop for 2-3 days - with food and water, so that realize THAT is their home. and will come back to it.

 

[hembreyfarm]

The stay mostly locked in the coop now, just because I'm worried they won't come back. And I let them out in the evening and try to get them to go back. I will try the flashlight thing and see if works.

 

[hembreyfarm]

Also, my chickens have been eating a lot of feed. I know most of it is probably falling though the floor and under the coop but since we are trying to free range and not buy too much feed is there anything else I can try so it isn't all wasted. Also at what time wold you think my ladies would be good to go out for the day. I don't want think loose them, and I can't be home to watch all day. If they stay in the barn they won't have anywhere to graze but I don't want them straying too far. Any ideas?

 

[Cntry1958]

I would build a closed in run with grass under it for when your not home so they can be out of the coop during the day. Then let them out to free range when your home so no predators get them. They are still young and still learning so protect them as much as possible.