Getting pullets to go in the coop? Help please

[HenHouse10C]

A couple days ago we got 3 eight week old pullets. They have been in a brooder their whole lives, so these last couple of days has been their first true time spent outside. We have a raised coop with an enclosed run attached. It is a great space for them! The only problem is, they cant figure out that they need to be IN the coop at night. There is a perch inside, near the nest boxes and another perch outside near their ladder. They have been perching on the one outside at night for sleep. I have tried putting them inside the coop by hand, and after a few minutes of "inspecting" they come right back out down the ladder. And now, as I type this, they are huddled up under the coop, soaking wet in a driving rain. What can I do to help them figure out that that inside the coop is safe and dry for them? And the place to sleep? And is rain going to make them sick? Help please!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Welcome to BYC!
Can you post some photos of your setup so that we can help you look at things through the birds' eyes and identify possible concerns that are keeping them from wanting to use the coop? Did you do any "coop training" when you transitioned them to the outside - this is a process some use by locking the birds into the coop for a period of the first few days outside before allowing them access to the run so they associate the interior of the coop as "home".
Do the birds go into the coop at all - ie during the day, etc - outside of the times you have physically placed them in it?

 

[HenHouse10C]

http://i1167.photobucket.com/albums/q622/knmcconnellkm/coop_zpsu4yuec92.jpg

There is about 2.5' of clearance under the coop. The perch inside is 18" off the floor (cant get a pic right now because of the rain. the coop pic I took yesterday} The perch outside is also about 18" off the ground. There is a hatch for the nestbox that opens on the back of the coop

I did not do any coop training... I wasn't aware that I needed to. I certainly can, though. Just would need to build a door to close the hole.

As far as I can tell, they do not go into the coop at all on their own. Today will be day 3 that they've been here, will it be too late to start coop training?

 

[HenHouse10C]

 

[HenHouse10C]

Hmm, I typed a response with a picture but I got a message saying that I can't post outside links until approved by admin. Any suggestions?

We haven't done any coop training, but I can certainly start that today. Just need to lock them in the henhouse for a week or so? They won't go in it at all unless I put them in there.

 

[HenHouse10C]

Well, there it is!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Just make some kind of door (even if it's only temporary). Once they get the hang of the coop, they'll use it.

 

[HenHouse10C]

Well, I made a little door that slides up and down to cover the hole. Put them in there with their food and water, and whattaya know... Went to check on them at dusk and they were all up on the roost sleeping! I think we're getting somewhere!!

Now to figure out a way to water them without them stepping/pooping in it. They had a very poopy water bowl this morning. On to another thread...

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Well, I made a little door that slides up and down to cover the hole. Put them in there with their food and water, and whattaya know... Went to check on them at dusk and they were all up on the roost sleeping! I think we're getting somewhere!!

Now to figure out a way to water them without them stepping/pooping in it. They had a very poopy water bowl this morning. On to another thread...

Nipple waterer.