How do I get my new chickens to stay in the house at night?

[sunnyysideeggs]

Dang, 13 years! What does your setup look like? When getting new birds, I don't let them free range for the first week or so so that they know where their home is. This may not be possible for you depending on your setup.

Haha! Sorry for the confusion. I meant I got 13 chickens that are a year old. Oh, I see. Well, right now at night, we put them in the coop and close it up. Thank you for the advice, though!

 

[sunnyysideeggs]

I'm betting "13 year old Rhode Island Reds" means 13 RIRs that are each a year old, not a group of 13 year-old birds.

OP: I'm confused. If you have predators you have to be able to keep them out of the coop/run the chickens are in, which implies that you can keep the chickens in. What am I missing?

Thank you, haha. So we can keep the chickens in but my problem is the chickens won't go in when it gets dark. A few have figured it out, but not all.

 

[sunnyysideeggs]

I'm guessing that you meant 13, year-old RIRs.

I haven't even hatched my chicks yet, but I've been reading (Edit) about chickens for years. You are probably going to have to take them into the coop physically, or attract them with a little food is my bet-- I've read that you should leave them in a coup for a few days before releasing them to range.

Yes, haha. Wow! Good luck. Ok. Thank you, I really appreciate it!

 

[sunnyysideeggs]

Is the problem that they aren't putting themselves in at night? New chickens need to be physically put to bed a few nights sometimes. If they are leaving the coop then there is a problem with your coop.

Yes, I did that last night and I'm going to start doing it until they stay. Thank you.

 

[sunnyysideeggs]

Can you post some pictures of the coop? Inside and outside.

Thank you, but I think I know what to do. Thank you, though.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

I'm guessing that you meant 13, year-old RIRs.

I haven't even hatched my chicks yet, but I've been reading (Edit) about chickens for years. You are probably going to have to take them into the coop physically, or attract them with a little food is my bet-- I've read that you should leave them in a coup for a few days before releasing them to range.

i think i have reading issues

 

[DavidReaves]

i think i have reading issues

That's like me, looking at your profile without my glasses and seeing "BYC Fiend" in the orange and yellow banner!

 

[sourland]

Thank you, haha. So we can keep the chickens in but my problem is the chickens won't go in when it gets dark. A few have figured it out, but not all.

Give them time. They are still adapting to their new home. Chickens hate change.

 

[JustAChickenLoverOverHere]

That's like me, looking at your profile without my glasses and seeing "BYC Fiend" in the orange and yellow banner!

can’t survive without my glasses!