Getting Chicks to use coop

[Diney]

Was wondering how long it takes chicks to start using coop on their own at night. I have been putting mine in the coop the last 2 nights before dark so that predators don't get them. They don't seem to want to go in by themselves. How long will it take them to start going in by themselves? Figure that I am probably stressing them out by having to catch them and make them go in there. Their coop is off the ground and they have a ramp to climb, they seem to climb it during the day.

 

[WalnutHill]

Feed treats inside the coop just before dark. Once they figure out that there are good things inside and not outside, and you reinforce the behavior for a couple of weeks, they will go in on their own to see. Do reward them once in a while...

 

[Messipaw]

I kept my girls in their coop for a week straight. Then introduced them to the pen. I left the poop door open so they could have full access. Once they started going into the coop on their own and roosting I started to let them free range. I let them out about an hour before dark. The reason for this is so they didn't roam to far. I increased their free range little by little and it all worked out. They always returned to the run about 30 mins before dark then they filed into the coop to roost one by one. Hope this helps.

 

[Diney]

Thanks for the info, really appreciate it. Will try these ideas and will let you know how it works for me. I swear, it is like having a newborn, worrying about these chicks.

 

[Diney]

Well, it took the first windy day for them to figure out to go in the coop. Now they are in and out all day long.