Help !!! My chickens won't go IN the coop OR come OUT of the coop ????

[chickmom3941]

I have read that you should keep them locked in their coop for a week or so & they will learn this is "home" ... what are your thoughts on that? Also, the steepness of the ramp ... will that make a difference?[/QUOTE
We also kept our young chickens inside the coop for about a week. Then we fenced an area immediately outside the ramp door that was about 30' x 20' so they could go out and start getting used to the great outdoors, while still being very close to the coop. After a month or so, we expanded the size of the fenced area to maybe 100' x 100', then eventually let them roam in the fenced-in portion of our yard, which is about 1.5 acres. I would just let your chickens go outside when they are ready, and not force them out. Chickens are, well, chicken (I finally see where using the term "chicken" to describe a coward came from!) and don't take kindly to changes. It usually takes them awhile to build enough courage to investigate new things. Plus if they are being chased out the door, it probably just scares them even more. Their curiosity should kick in eventually, though, and they should start going out on their own. Of course, it goes without saying that if they're outside and won't go in at night, you do have to put them inside! Good luck!