I'm a new owner and have had my 2 chickens (Rhone Island Red and Silver Laced Wyandotte) for about 2 months now. They free range in the day and at night they go into the penned area with a coop. I have a roost outside in the penned area which they have been on as it's been quite hot here and too hot to go in the coop. The RIR is now laying and goes in there to the laying box but that's it. Neither have ventured to go in otherwise and now it's going to get colder at night. My SLW likes to try to go in the pine tree next to the run to roost so unless I get to her come into the run first I have to lift her out of the tree to put in the pen! As they like the outside roost so much I have no idea how to get them in the coop! I've ordered some dried mealworms and I'm sure the greedy RIR will have no problem going in if she sees a bowl of that in there! The SLW, different! I guess if she really likes them I can start practicing by giving her some and putting the bowl nearer and nearer the coop and eventually inside as I would like them to practice and feel comfortable going in the coop as when it gets cold I'm going to shut them in. Any other ideas?!
I think the mealworms is a very good idea! Also remove the outside roost and if necessary pick them up and put them in the coop at night until they get the idea. I had to do that with some of my chickens and they learn quick. Thankfully!
We also picked them up and put them in the coop at night for the first 3 or so days. After that, they went in by themselves.
