Getting chicks to go in Coop

[Vachicken]

I have a new chicken coop that is surrounded by electric poultry netting. They have spent 2 nights in the coop. How do I get them in the coop at night? I have food in the coop but have had to catch them one by one and put them in there. I have a ramp into a little door for them. Is there a way to get them to do this on their own ? It is a real workout trying to catch them. Having a light in the coop suppose to help? Thanks

 

[ozark hen]

Is there a light inside the coop? Mine go easier if the light is on but I had to put them individually inside for about a week or two until they started going on their own. It does help to have older hens for them to follow. It was a hassle getting them inside every night but they will learn.

 

[gritsar]

Some folks say having a small night light in the coop works, but I dislike getting them used to a light. The light may got out at some point and you'll have panicked chickens.
I prefer "lockdown". Lock them in the coop, with no access to their run or the outside for several days, maybe a week.
This will train them to the consider the coop a safe home and where they should want to roost at night.
No matter what I'm doing, even if I know I can't be there to close the coop up right at dusk, I know my chickens will all be in on their roosts.

 

[jessica117]

We usually wait until just after dark when they have gone to sleep and put them in for the first week or so, that way they are MUCH easier to catch. It doesn't take too long for them to catch on.

 

[homesteadingcowgirl]

They'll eventually learn. The younger ones (esp. those w/o a momma present) will take longer. When I have to make a coop switch etc... I find it helpful to keep them locked in it for a day-two, they seem to recognize it as home easier.
cowgirl

 

[ozark hen]

as an added note: Lights are turned off in my coop rooms as soon as all are in and a head count is done.