How do you make them go home?

[congdon476]

OK- after a week of shoo-ing them out of the coop every morning, they have finally gotten the idea that it's great to be outside (6/7 weeks old). NOW... how do I get them to want to go back into the coop when the sun starts setting?! I spent 20 minutes tonight chasing down the last 2 hens (the first 5 and 1 roo didn't take but 5 minutes) to get them back into the coop. Surely there is an easier way? Or maybe they'll get the hint soon? Is this typical with a backyard flock?

 

[Robin'sBrood]

When mine were little I had to wait until they settled down to roost (notice I said when they were ready to roost, not when I was ready for them to roost

) and then I was able to put them in the coop. They didn't much appreciate being picked up every evening and eventually started going inside on their own.

 

[congdon476]

Quote:
Ha... well, they were all laying together in a pile next to the fence, so I "thought" they were ready to go home. As soon as I started to pick up the first one, they all scattered!

 

[Imp]

When I worked earlier hours and had to chase them into the coop well before dark. I would use long (5 foot) sticks to extend my arms. Gave me at least a fighting chance on herding them.

Imp

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:

, I use old curtain rods! DH thinks it's hilarious.

 

[citalk2much]

All I can say is best of luck I have been seen diving for the one that wants to hang out longer

 

[Kansaseq]

Do you have a light in your coop? Might make it more inviting to them as it starts to get dark.

 

[Foxhound lady]

for the reluctant ones we use very long sticks with the occasional touch on the back.

If that doesnt work bribery

 

[farmerlor]

When they were little one day old babies I started calling to them everytime I fed them. They figured out pretty quickly to come runnin' when Momma is calling. Even now I feed them twice a day even if it's just a few kitchen scraps or some scratch grains. Doesn't matter how exciting the worms or bugs are they always figure I have something better so when it's time to go to bed for the night I call them, throw something on the floor for them to eat and lock 'em in.

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

I walk outside with a bowl. Obviously I have walked outside with a bowl of treats often enough now that when they see a bowl - any bowl - they follow me anywhere.