How to get them to sleep in the coop on their own?

[JonRigby2005]

Before moving my chicks from in the house to the coop outside, I read that I should lock them in the coop for the first two nights so they know that that is where they are supposed to sleep. I did this, but it certainly didn't work. Every night they all huddle together on the ground in the run. We have to get them and put them in the coop every night. Is there a way to train them to go in the coop at night for bed time?

 

[igorsMistress]

You can try locking them in a bit longer. You might also try a light in the coop that you turn off when you lock up or that is on a timer.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Is there enough light inside the coop?

We had to use lights for a few nights. Since no electricity in the coop I ran a couple of small battery powered strings for the couple of hours around roosting time, then turned them off after everyone got settled.

This probably went on for about a week. No problems since, tho I kind of miss the lights. Looked like a party in there.

 

[KarynVA]

I kept mine locked in for 5 days and they went in on their own the first night they were let out to play in the run. They went in about 15 minutes after official sunset.

 

[JonRigby2005]

There is no Light in the coop. Should I put a light in and have it turn off maybe an hour after sunset? And, lock them back up in the coop for a 3-5 days?

 

[KarynVA]

I suggest you keep them locked in the coop for 4-5 days and don't worry about a light while they are stuck inside. Then, let them out a couple hours before sunset and see if they go inside on their own. If they still don't go inside on their own after being locked in for that amount of time, try putting a light inside the coop to draw them to it after dark.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photos of your coop would be very helpful to troubleshoot. A coop that's too small, too stuffy/poorly ventilated, too dark, etc. is not appealing and they won't want to use it regardless of you locking them in. I personally like keeping things simple - no lights (as I have ample natural lighting), easy-for-chickens entry (low pop door with steps), amply ventilation that stays open.

 

[aart]

Photos of your coop would be very helpful to troubleshoot.

Ditto Dat!

 

[JonRigby2005]

Here are some pics. This houses 6 chickens. There’s a vent in the back, I have the window open, and an oscillating fan on low

.

 

[JonRigby2005]

One more of the inside