Help -not going to coop at night time

[lseipp]

When I first put my chickens in their coop (they free range in the day) they would all come back to the coop at night and I would just lock them in. But, for the last month or so, they have been sleeping on the two top steps to my deck. I would lure them back to the coop and lock them in. But, now when it is time for them to roost they will go to the steps and stay there - rain does not deter them. I will go up and carry them - one by one- back to the coop.... but this is a tough job.... any ideas or suggestions.....Thanks in advance - Linda

 

[peterlund]

Stop feeding them on the deck!

All my girls (ducks and chickens) scurry right to bed at sunset.... Good luck breaking them of their bad habits...

 

[lseipp]

Thanks but I never feed any place but in the coop

 

[PunkinPeep]

I'm not sure why they're doing that. I would do three things: first, give a good look around and see if there's a possibility that something has been trying to get in at night - if they don't feel safe in the coop, that might be why they're going to the deck. Second, i would try "resetting" them by locking them in the coop 24/7 for 3 or 4 days. Third, i would put a light in the coop. Chickens gravitate toward light when it gets dark, so maybe they're gravitating toward the lights coming out of your windows.

 

[True Grit]

I guess you could lock them in the coop for a few days so they remember where home is. I know when you first put them in the coop you're supposed to keep them in for a week.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
All good tips. If all else fails, lock their butts up until they re-learn the going to roost routine.