Hens won't go in new coop!

[InviteTanner]

Not sure if this goes here, but I put up my run and new coop and put the hens out. They LOVED it...until dark came and then they were worrisome, noisy, and scared. They wouldn't go in their coop! I'd put them in and they'd come right back out. Will they learn, or do I have a problem here? Thanks in advance...

 

[goldeneggtees]

I've read you have to let them stay in the coop for a few days prior to letting them out, this way, they get used to it and know it's home.

 

[CoyoteMagic]

Put them back in they will get used to it. Tomorrow if you can, run a small light to it. When it gets dark outside they will move to the coop because of the light. Close them up when they perch and you can then shut off the light

 

[joanc]

When we introduce our chickens to a new coop, we move them after dark to the new coop. They wake up in the new coop and they will start re-establighing their pecking order.

We have an attached pen and we keep them in the pen for a few days-no free ranging keeps them close to their new home until they figure it out.

The first few nights after we move them, I call them inside the new coop with the "chickie treat" call. They figure out pretty quick where home is. And where they are supposed to lay their eggs.

 

[Weiden Farm]

I have heard that it helps to put a light in until they get used to going in and throw some scratch out

 

[InviteTanner]

Thanks you guys.

 

[chicmom]

Yep, at first, you will probably have to shut them in at night....This will establish a routine for them....You might have to do it for a week or so.......They just need time to feel comfortable in their new surroundings......

 

[Farmer531]

Um I have free ranged chickens, now but I kept them in a coop and run for a month and now they roost every night in the coop.