How to lure chickens in before activating an auto door

[Goss]

Hi - I'm looking for for suggestions to lure my chickens into the coop before the timer for the auto door activates. Like the auto door the lure needs to be automated. At the moment there camping out in the run

Suggestions great fully received

Wayne

 

[trailrider330]

Hi - I'm looking for for suggestions to lure my chickens into the coop before the timer for the auto door activates. Like the auto door the lure needs to be automated. At the moment there camping out in the run

Suggestions great fully received

Wayne

Some pictures of your set up (coop and run) might help us give you some ideas.

 

[Goss]

Hi

I'm attaching some pictures

Wayne

 

[Goss]

My original thought was to use an irrigation system, like the ones for watering the garden, as the birds come in when it's raining I could be on a winner; only down side is cost. The added bonus would be watering the run ) might encourage more grass and plant growth

Wayne

 

[sharkbait2010]

Why don't you just set your timer later. I have my AM timer set for 6AM and then again at 9PM for the summer.

 

[The Lazy L]

IF you have the space, lock the chickens in the coop for a week. Now they know where home is. When it starts to get dark they'll head to the coop automatically. Set the timer on the chicken door to shut 1/2 hour later.

 

[Goss]

Will have a go at the lock in it's a lot cheaper than an irrigation system

Thanks

 

[trailrider330]

So surprised they are choosing to camp in the run since there are no roosts or much cover. Sounds like you may have to coop train them again (leave then in for a week) and then just adjust your timer to close the door later. Not sure what the inside of your coop looks like, but I would also look at the type of roosts you have, the height and accessibility of the roosts and the amount of roost space you have to offer in case that could ever be deterring them from going inside at night. You may also want to double check and make sure there are no signs of mites as they tend to come out at night. Sorry, just trying to think of any and all possibilities. Good luck getting things to work out.