How long does it take for young guineas to start using their new coop?

[MelindaAustin]

We have guineas that ar about 2 months old and we recently moved their nursery into a new fly pen with a new guinea coop. These are our only fowl. They use the fly pen but don't seem to be using the coop, they keep going back into the nursery. We've been leaving the nursery available because of rain and cold temperatures. After they started going to sleep the first night, we did pick them up and move them into the coop, but they haven't voluntarily gone back in. We are going tonhave more rain and cold temoeratures this weeked, so I'm concerned. I've read that you can't force them to do things so I'm at a loss about all of this. Thank you so much

 

[Trefoil]

If you lock them in their new coop for a week or so before letting them into the fly pen, they will use the coop.

 

[hyelaw]

I've read that you can't force them to do things so I'm at a loss about all of this.

That is true, but you can entice and persuade them. Put treats in the coop and have them watch you doing it. And I agree, locking them in there for a bit will get them used to it. As well as just training them. Coax them in at night, let them out in the morning, keep doing it and they will get the hang of it.

 

[chickchick8]

Guineas do what they want when they feel like it. I second the suggestions of keeping them inside the coop for a week. Good luck!

 

[MelindaAustin]

You guys are great, thanks so much for all of the suggestions and help. We have been trying to give treats in the coop and then leaving them there, they seem to wander in but not stay. The training of them to come to a whistle has been coming along nicely though.

 

[PinkyLee]

I ring my cow bell and they come a running... they know it means "meal worm time"... mine are only 2 months old. They first were trained to see the green bag that the dried worms come in... then I added the ringing of the cow bell... now just the bell. I will let them free range next Spring so I want to make sure they return to the coop.

 

[MelindaAustin]

Our's seemed to lose their desire for the mealworms, but maybe we'll try again. They seem to really like the white millet, we blow a whistle and they come right to the door of the fly pen.