Hi! my name is Dee,

Deadshot

In the Brooder
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Bought my first four chicks 2 months ago. Raised them in my dining room until they were big enough to go outside. What a mess that was! Got an Americauna, Rock Barr, Comet, and Rhode Island Red. Cant get these guys to willingly go into their coop at night. Been having to chase them down in the run to put them away. This is destroying their trust in me.:eek: I do it between 7:30 and 8pm every night so I can relax for the evening. The coop and run are extremely safe, should I just leave the door open and let them go in by themselves when and if they want to? Been hesitant because its chilly at night, and the door being closed would keep them warmer. Bad Idea or okay?
 
Hello, Dee, and welcome to BYC! :frow Glad you joined.

How big is the coop in sq ft? They need 4 sq ft per bird.

How well ventilated? They need LOTS of ventilation, generally an area equivalent to 10% of your floor area.

Is there any light coming in it from windows? Chicks don't like walking into something dark at night. If you don't have windows that let in some light, install them... top hinged and backed with 1/2" hardware cloth.

Do the chicks have to navigate a ramp to get in? They need to be trained to use a ramp. When I've raised the chicks, I used a mealworm trail. Now I let the mothers teach their broods.
 
Hi and welcome to BYC. Maybe try suspending a flashlight in the coop just before dusk - they should enter the coop with no problem. Here are some helpful links:
Best wishes

Pork Pie
 

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