Getting chickens to go into the coop at night.

[dmbnj]

Still not going into the coop. I stayed away from the chicks, aside from chores for 5 days and they still didn't put themselves to bed. Today I was missing them and hung out with them. They were tucked in the coop when I went back at 9:30. One RIR nipped me and drew blood, but I think it was a scab from a mosquito bite. In the 5 days I have been absent I have a new alpha rooster. My little Ameracauna was chasing my big Blue Cochin roo. I did catch the new Alpha and held him in my lap until I was ready to put him down. Apparently my absence does not matter at all. They still put themselves to bed randomly.

 

[Traphill]

Try putting a light in there ( I used a red one ) mine were scared of the dark at first and would just stay out, once they get used to going in you can stop using it.

 

[hollilynn]

I have some solar spotlights that shine on the outside of the coop. They come on right at dusk and the chickens seem to know it is bedtime. I give them a treat when they are locked in the run, then they hop up to the pop door and into the coop. Bought two little spotlights at lowe's. Very inexpensive and soooo worth it. I can see my coop in the dark as it is a ways from the house.