Going to bed.....chickens are not the brightest bulbs....

[HennyPennyHenHouse]

I had the same experience tonight. It's the 4th night and no chase and catch needed. they were all in the coop and ready for bed when I went out. Now if they would just learn to like the roosts we built for them! Still sleeping on the floor.

 

[maizy'smom]

We found that introducing them to the coop AT BEDTIME, and putting them right to bed, worked well for us. They only met the pop door, ramp & run for the first time when we let them out in the morning. We also gave them food, water and all necessities, and kept them in the coop/attached run for about four days before letting them out to free range. They got to learn where home was, where to come home to to roost at night, one stage at a time.

Hope all goes well!

 

[eggcamefirst]

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Same here! I put in some very nice 2x2 roost bars and they just sleep on the floor...I guess they will find them eventually

 

[PippyChicken]

Same thing happened to me and I had to put 18 chickens inside! :O Eventually they went in all on their own.

 

[stcroixusvi]

I also had trouble and then my neighbor showed me how to tap continuously on the platform that goes in the pop door. For some reason, they seemed to think it was the signal to go in, and they went in. Tonight they all went in on their own.

 

[peterlund]

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I agree. It is the first few days that make them feel safe INDOORS... But then again this is a mute point since your birds are in rebellion mode!

 

[gvilledh]

Experienced the rebellion tonight. For the last two weeks, ours have done pretty well. If nothing else, someone could go inside the coop with their favorite baggie of oatmeal and they would come running. Tonight we were putting a tarp up over the run to increase their amount of shade (since it is supposed to be 99 tomorrow and humid) and to put some more sand down. we were going to put They had been in the coop while we were putting the tarp up. Should have closed them up then, but it was still a little early. When it was all done, they seemed to know what we wanted to do, and we would have five in and another four out and then six in and three out. When we had all in but one, who we think is our rooster, the pop door got closed and I went and got him. Tomorrow night, I think they are going to stay up a little later.

 

[herechickychicky]

My chicks are doing the same thing. They will pile up right next to their door but will not go inside. I got a stick up light for them, tried it out for a couple of nights, and that isn't working either. They will go in if I have my hubby's flashlight shining in there, otherwise, no dice. We just bought a little solar light and are hopeful that it will generate enough light to invite them inside. I chased them around the run once. Fast little buggers they are! The only thing that did was frustrate me (and the chickens). Once they settle down it's a piece of cake just plopping them inside. I have to be here to do it, though, and that isn't always going to be possible. So, in the meantime, two go in, one comes out, three go in, four come out......glad I only got 8 chickens. Good luck with your chickens! If the solar light ends up working for us I'll let you know.

 

[Jake the Farmer]

My girls are almost 5 weeks old. I went out and got a cheap plastic baby plate for like $.50 at Target. I read that chickens are attracted to the color red, so thats what color I got. Since they were 3 weeks old I have been giving them Mealworms as a treat on this plate. They go NUTS for them, and now they know what the red plate means! Haha if I need them to go into the coop on their own, I pick up the red plate and show them. They can't get into the coop fast enough LOL! I just close the door behind them

It only takes 2-3 times for them to learn where the treats come from as long as you use the exact same plate every time. Just make sure you only give them the plate INSIDE the coop so that they learn "If I see the red plate I need to go inside for my treats!".

 

[ChickiePieGirl]

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My husband read somewhere to keep them in for a week, or even up to two weeks. We were able to do this since the chickens first went out in May when the weather was not so hot. We have never had a problem with them going in at night, never had to put them in ourselves. Now every night they go up the ramp right before sundown. So cute to watch! Then I shut the door as they peek out at me through the window. I love my girls! (and boy....one's a Roo) I wish you luck setting a good routine!!