How do I get my new flock to go in the coop at night?

[THV]

Hi Everyone,
I've got a new flock of chicks- 7, and I just moved them out to the coop 2 days ago. I was hoping they would go inside on their own at the end of the day but they don't seem to be heading in that direction. We went out and rounded them up the past two evenings just after sunset. I don't want to wait too late and then be chasing them around the yard in the dark, but maybe they don't head in until it's getting good and dark? Any tips on when they should be heading into the coop at the end of the day, and how to get them to do it on their own?
thanks
Tim

 

[Chicken03]

Try and keep them in the coop for a couple days. Then they will start to realize that the coop is home. My chickens always go in at dark. If they still won't go in just keep rounding them up. After a little while they will get the idea to go in at dark.

 

[lalaland]

usually you keep your flock locked into the coop for maybe 3 days, and then let them out the 4th day about an hour before sunset.
This helps them know that the coop is "home".Might take a few days where they need help getting rounded up, but they will eventually get the idea.

You could start over and lock them in for the 3 days, or you could do what you are doing, it will just take longer for them to figure it out on their own.

Start training them to come to you by calling and giving them treats - some people shake a treat can to make the noise, I just whistle. When they come to you, you can toss the treats inside the coop and they will go for them. Regardless, it is good to have a way to get them to come to you by calling.

Good luck!

 

[sewchick]

I'm new to having chickens. Not sure if this helps. I get a small bowl of uncooked popcorn that I grind up. It's almost like cornmeal when I am done with it. I only need to go out with the bowl now and they come a running. The girls would follow me to h e double hockey sticks and back now. Had to get them to understand the bowl was a treat. I consistently fed them treats from it every day while they were outside using the same bowl and just a small amount of treat.

 

[chickensioux]

I have found that after about 3 nights of rounding up, they figure it out.