Getting chicks to go in the coop

[psnider1968]

I have 8 new Red sex-links that are about 6 weeks old. I put them outside in their pen last Friday. I put them in the coop first so they could see their new home. When it turns dark they are not going into the coop. They are piling up at the front of it outside but will not go inside. I've been going out there and putting them in the coop at night. Any suggestions?

 

[Cherie1n2]

Give them stairs!.. if they're piling up underneath they probably just don't quite understand how to get back in.

 

[psnider1968]

I have stairs and they walk down them when they come out in the morning so I know they know they are there.

 

[rosinsk1772]

Do you have a bright enough light in the coop? When I first put my chicks outside I didn't have the light on, and they would sleep under the coop. I turned the light on, and they all went in side on their own. I let them get used to this routine for a week. Now I don't even turn a light on. Mine are younger to. Between 6-12 weeks of age

 

[red horse ranch]

I have 8 new Red sex-links that are about 6 weeks old. I put them outside in their pen last Friday. I put them in the coop first so they could see their new home. When it turns dark they are not going into the coop. They are piling up at the front of it outside but will not go inside. I've been going out there and putting them in the coop at night. Any suggestions?

This is pretty common when young chickens are moved to a new coop. I'm going thru the same thing now with 32 six week old chicks!
It takes a week or so to train them to go in on their own. They are still babies even tho they are fully feathered and they just don't know what they are supposed to do until they are trained. A light inside is a good idea. And I use their favorite treats to get them to come in. Like scratch or scrambled eggs. But for the first week I still have to catch a few and put them in. It's just too much fun being outside finally. Reminds me of when my sons were little. "Oh Mom, do I HAVE to come in?"