Help! My Chickens stopped putting themselves to bed!

[Henriettamom919]

I agree, you'll have to lock them in there awhile for them to call it "home" and put screens up so they can see outside.

We just went through the EXACT same scenario and I compromised by locking them in about sunset and letting them out again shortly after sunrise and keeping super strict about the times. It only took three days and they now go up to roost on their own.

The only difference is mine had screened windows that were latched with storm doors I left open so they could see it get dark/light naturally.

 

[trudyg]

When I moved coops they went to the new one on their own for several days, then I looked out one evening and the roo was frantically trying to get into the old one. I opened it and let him in for the night and, at way dark thirty, I pulled him out and put him into the new one. Left them all in there all that day and the next, from then on they went in on their own. It helps if the food and water is in there, since they get that last snack before bed and most stay in after that. I hear that some birds will have to be locked in longer to get the message. Funny, my grandson stayed in our camper for a week and, after we got home, the camper was where his bed was (for him). We had a hard time convincing him otherwise.

 

[fuzziesquirel]

Thanks everyone. im working on getting screens in the windows so I can open them, and lights inside on a timer. They have also been locked up for almost 24hours. I will probably leave them in there another few days. they have plenty of room, but they do want out. when I went to make sure they had water a couple rushed the door. lol

 

[trudyg]

How hot does it get in there during the day? I"m in N Alabama and it's over 100 in there when I get home from work this time of year, even with most of it open to the air and under shade cloth. Just be aware of all the factors.

 

[fuzziesquirel]

How hot does it get in there during the day? I"m in N Alabama and it's over 100 in there when I get home from work this time of year, even with most of it open to the air and under shade cloth. Just be aware of all the factors.

Right now its not to bad. its under a tree and is drafty. I haven been in it a couple times to check the temp. its not any hotter than it is outside. and right now its rainy and only about 80 tops

 

[trudyg]

So they should be fine if kept in for a day or so. Even then you can have the random stupid one.