How can I get my chicks to go in their coop?

[cyart]

The girls are outside during the day this week and next week they will be out for good. My question is... they have yet to go in their coop. I tried putting them in there and they run right out. Do you think once it's dark they'll go in there? Any suggestions on my stubborn chicks?

Christine

 

[OrchardLnFarms]

I think you are supposed to keep them in there for three days straight and after that they know to go to the coop at night. I didn't do that with mine but they learned pretty after a week and I didn't have to chase them in anymore. Usually I take them food out at night and they come running for it so that gets them in the coop.

 

[ChickenToes]

For the first few days I had to herd the chicks into the coop at night. But they caught on right away and now as soon as it gets dark they head into the coop.

 

[ibpboo]

I kept my chickies in their coop for awhile, then I started letting them free range. The first night they did not go back in and at dark I looked to see where they were and placed them at the doorway and they walked in. The next night and there after they went in by themselves. Usually, once it is dark, they stay put.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I had my girls in their coop locked in for two weeks and then the first night at sundown 8:39pm all but one went in on their own to bed. Second night they ALL went in! They are all about 8 weeks old now.

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

By the way...we found that putting the light on in their coop really helped...once we had the light on they all went right in

 

[krjwaj]

Hey all!
I am new here..when I am home tomorrow, I post a photo in the intro. thread.

This is timely for us regarding the little ones going in the coop. Our chicks are three weeks old and we have been taking them outside for 20 minutes at a time (in their brooder) to acclimate them to the outside noises. Today DH introduced them to the coop for a few hours.
We wondered how they would react to being in the dark after having the light from the heat lamp for so many weeks. I think we might hang a light for them. I also read an another thread they keep still in the dark. That's funny

So, I think you answered my questions...thanks!

 

[ailsaek]

I'm still picking mine up and putting them there, but we only moved them outdoors fulltime on Friday, so it's not a huge surprise that they aren't accustomed to it yet. They still want me to bring them back into the garage at night.