How do I get chicks into the coop routine?

[sandysylvester]

My girls are 6 weeks old and have been in the run/coop for just under 2 weeks now. At first I was leaving a light on in the coop and putting them in every night since they would cry once dusk arrived. After 4 nights they seemed to get the idea and went in on their own.
2 nights ago I left the light on, but left the entrance open. They seemed fine and happy.
Last night they decided to come back out after an hour in the coop and sleep on the ground. I put them back in but they were looking to come back out. I thought perhaps the light is confusing them in regards to day/night. Once I unplugged the light they went right to bed.
Anyhow, tonight I had one girl in particular crying like a maniac. I know for a fact they were not cold. I tried putting them up in the coop but they came back out. I then put the light back in and on and they ran in only to run back out and cry again. I looked for any critters in the coop and all was clear. I ended up locking them in and they finally went to sleep.

Is there a way to get them into a healthy routine for sleep? I figured If I turn the light on they would understand where to go at dusk and after they settle I can turn it off. Everything was fine, but the past 2 nights they are changing their routine. Is that normal for chicks?

 

[chicmom]

Very simple....No more light. They will go in a dusk, and if they don't, put them in. Shut the door each night for about a week.

All will be well!

Sharon