How do I get my hens to stop roosting in the garage?

[JeremyinNC]

My two hens that have decided they'd rather roost in the garage instead of their coop, I bought a new coop for them and locked them in it for 24 hrs to try and get them used to it but no dice. They are 100% free range most of the time.

I can't just lock the garage up (kids coming in and out, dog and cat food is in there etc) although I could probably manage to keep it sealed up for a day or two, at least at dusk.

Is there a trick to get them to know they are in their new home? Do I just need to leave them locked in for a few days strait? It's getting colder here and I want them to be cozy in their new coop over the winter - last winter they roosted on our back steps which was probably very cold for them and not exactly attractive when ever someone used the back door.

 

[jetdog]

I locked mine up for 4 days and never had a problem, just make sure there is food and water inside for them.

 

[appps]

When we moved ours to the coop they decided to all settle for the night in a little pile outside the garage door instead

We just waited for them to settle then carried them back to their new quarters. They worked it out after a few nights and after I popped one of those $2 solar garden llight in there so it wasn't dark.

 

[NYREDS]

Close the garage door.

 

[JeremyinNC]

I can try but I have kids...

Maybe I can lock the kids in the coop and let the chickens in the house. They'd probably be cleaner.