Getting chicks into the coop

[whiteflare]

Heckel's Hens :

So far, I just round up the ladies each evening and heard them in the coop. I clap my hands at them, and it's like Pavlov's dogs.....they hear that sounds now and go into the coop.

If I cup my hands and pretend I've got food, they'll follow me to the ends of the earth.​

 

[amenning]

We left the light on and that seems to help, now all we need to do is remember to turn it on.

 

[avany]

does anybody leave feed in the coop to lure them in at night ?

 

[avany]

I had a very similar problem that ended with a tragedy

my rescued silkies ( a mommy and a baby ) just wouldn't go into the beautiful box and ladder I built,painted and crafted painstakingly for their comfort and safety. They chose to roost on low hanging branches or just nest in the daylilies imagining they weren't visible ! ( now I just discovered silkies feet have difficulty grasping ladders and ramps so it may not have been entirely by choice- poor things - but in all fairness they didn't show the slightest interest in going into a house )

Eventually a giant alley cat got wind of these beautiful tempting birds and stalked them and being silkies .. they didn't really know how to make noise .. in any case he got the baby before anything could be done . Oh the crying and the mourning in the neighborhood ! ( they were beloved pets ) . I felt SOO bad . Still do , to be honest . I want to learn how to keep my birds safe before getting any more ...

Please be kind and advise . I'm definitely a bantam silky person. And I like miniature cochins ... both tiny vulnerable breeds but perfect for city backyards and manicured gardens ( they're not diggers and scratchers ). They get along GREAT with my declawed 6 lb Persian cat and are SO pettable ( those two used o line up for pets every morning at first light .. they would allow you to pick them up and virtually PURR when stroked ... ) I just need advice how to keep them safe PLEASE. Thank You !!