Getting hens to go in coop!

[Ayam Cemani Mommy]

The perch that they are sitting on, go in, just before dark, and take it down. Don't give them a place to sit out there. Make them go in the coop and close the door to protect them. Let them out in the morning and put the perch back. It may have to be a routine for a while before they get into the habit of going in on their own. Is there a good perch inside that is good for their feet? It may not be as comfortable as the one outside.

Best idea , Idk why I didn't think of that. I am going to do this. I would hate for anything to happen.

 

[aart]

Yes there are 2 perches inside they are sort of low so I am going to raise them up a little

Here's a good pre-fab modification you might want to think about:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-in-nest-boxes.1134399/page-2#post-17749535

 

[Karen Glatz]

My girls don't usually go in until I get "the orange net of doom" out. I used it when they were tiny to catch them when play time was over. Now in the evening I can walk into their run and try to herd them, but until I get the net-of-doom out, they think it's just a game. As soon as they see it, they high-tail it for the pop door and form a line to get in.

I like the idea of taking down the outside perches at dusk. Also, are the coop roosts 2x4s with the 4" side up, or are they thinner. 4" roosts are more comfortable.

 

[Ayam Cemani Mommy]

My girls don't usually go in until I get "the orange net of doom" out. I used it when they were tiny to catch them when play time was over. Now in the evening I can walk into their run and try to herd them, but until I get the net-of-doom out, they think it's just a game. As soon as they see it, they high-tail it for the pop door and form a line to get in.

I like the idea of taking down the outside perches at dusk. Also, are the coop roosts 2x4s with the 4" side up, or are they thinner. 4" roosts are more comfortable.

Lol "The orange net of doom" I love it. The roosts are what came with the prefab coop that came with them when i got them. The roosts are rounded on top for comfort they look to be a good size to grip too.

 

[Karen Glatz]

The perch that came with the coop may be fine, but some of the ones I've see are too skinny for adult chickens.

Unlike other birds, chickens sleep with their feet flat on the perch, they stand on it, then lower their keel bone down between their feet for a three point rest. A thin perch doesn't give the same stability for larger birds and a rounded perch might make a pressure point on the keel bone.

The ones you have may be fine, but you might want to look again with that in mind.

 

[Ayam Cemani Mommy]

The perch that came with the coop may be fine, but some of the ones I've see are too skinny for adult chickens.

Unlike other birds, chickens sleep with their feet flat on the perch, they stand on it, then lower their keel bone down between their feet for a three point rest. A thin perch doesn't give the same stability for larger birds and a rounded perch might make a pressure point on the keel bone.

The ones you have may be fine, but you might want to look again with that in mind.

Thanks, I spoke with my husband and he is going to add another wider perch for them just above the existing one so the have a choice.

 

[Ayam Cemani Mommy]

The perch that they are sitting on, go in, just before dark, and take it down. Don't give them a place to sit out there. Make them go in the coop and close the door to protect them. Let them out in the morning and put the perch back. It may have to be a routine for a while before they get into the habit of going in on their own. Is there a good perch inside that is good for their feet? It may not be as comfortable as the one outside.

Just wanted to let you know, taking the outside roost down is working. They are going in on their own at night. At first they were mad but now they seem to be doing better. We are giving them wider perches inside but leaving the existing ones so they have options. Thank you wise one

 

[Sea Wolf]

Just wanted to let you know, taking the outside roost down is working.

LOL. Chickens are not that bright. Sometimes you have to do their thinking for them. Glad it's working.