Got chicks outside finally, now they won't go inside

[jp57]

The weather has been nice enough that I finally got my girls moved outside. I set up a puppy pen in a rectangular shape. Staked it to the ground, and installed some wire fencing on the top. I have them right next to my main coop so they are close to the other girls. I was looking at dog houses to put in there but ended up getting an enclosed litter pan (it is for 2 chicks), because it was half the price. I sealed the top so rain wouldn't get inside. I filled it with pine chips and put a thick stick in there to act as a roosting bar. I also stuck some longer branches through both sides of the main cage so they could get up off of the ground. I have a new puppy that I half to walk a couple of times throughout the night. Every time I walk by to check on them at night, they are sitting outside of the pan on one of the branches. How do I encourage them to go inside?

 

[Folly's place]

They want to roost on the highest available spot, which isn't in that litter box.
I'd worry that their pen isn't secure enough from predators, especially at night. Can you move their pen into the main coop area? Or at least move them in at night?
They will likely be fine outside, especially if you cover the pen with a tarp, but not safe.
Mary

 

[trigger212]

I also have a question about when you move your gals outside into their new home....the coop. Should one have the nesting boxes made up and ready from the get go or wait until they are closer to the egg laying age 18 weeks or so??? All the raising chickens for dummies books I have don't exactly spell this out. would like some advice from experienced chicken people please. Thanks for any input

 

[User395221]

How do I encourage them to go inside?

Put them where you want them. I had to do that with my young'uns until they got the idea.

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! I'm always introducing young birds to my existing flock, so the nest boxes are always there. It's not been an issue, although sometimes a bird will try roosting in a box; I move her to a roost for a few days, and she (he) figures it out.
For a new flock, you can do it either way. If it's easier to add them later, that's fine. Or, have them there from the beginning, and block the openings if there's a problem.
Brooder raised chicks going out there without adults to emulate will have a little more trouble figuring out what to do.
Mary

 

[jp57]

I got them moved inside of the enclosure that my coop is in. I made a wire basket that I could place the pan on to elevate it to the highest point. Last night same thing. Around midnight I went out and they were still on the branch. It was raining as well and it was their first storm, but they didn't go inside.

 

[User395221]

but they didn't go inside.

They don't understand anything about it, you (or, as mentioned, the mums if they are with a mother hen) have to teach them. Even as adults, my girls don't go for shelter when it rains (but rain here is hardly ever very heavy). I don't think it bothers them the way it might bother us. Nonetheless they shouldn't be getting drenched at a young age. If you show them what to do, they will eventually get the hang of it.

 

[jp57]

When I got home from work yesterday, they were in there. It was kind of windy so I assumed they went into there for shelter.
I added a roof yesterday also since it was their first rain. It kept them from getting wet.