how to re-train chickens to go inside their coop at night?

[dolphlynn]

I have 6 chickens.. (they are hens now, I guess). We have had them for a year now...(love their eggs!).

Anyways, 3 hens always go inside the coop at dark...however, the other 3 hen hop onto an old dresser that is about 4 feet away from their coop and stay there...

We ALWAYS close our coop/run every night (I don't have a problem with that) but how do I get those 3 hens to start going inside the coop/run?

Suggestions is appreciated!

 

[BuffOrpington88]

I would say that if you threw some scratch or another treat into the coop around the time you want them to go inside consistently for a few days, they should eventually learn to expect that and go into the coop by themselves!
Have a nice day!

 

[rc4u]

if you have a 6 foot bambo poleor something put a red and white large rag on the end and when you want them to go in come around the corner with it high and kinda waive it around and they think hawk and go in...i did this when i worked on a turkey farm and they learned in few days to go in...i have done it with my chicks and they learned fast.. this year i have two great horned owls and they got few chickens and now they go in 3 hours early...and before they stayed out till dark...jeff

 

[aart]

Put them in there every night until they get the idea.

 

[Kev]

if the dresser is outside the coop/run, don't let any of them out for a week.

if the dresser is in the coop/run... you will have to train them every night. once they make a new habit, it can be hard to break.

 

[Spottie]

I would suggest throwing scratch inside the cage at night to get them in there. We actually use dry cob. They don't have their layer pellets during the day when they free range so by the afternoon they are ready for the grain. When we throw it in there they come running.

 

[rc4u]

chickens dont like staying in there coop for a week after they have been out...they get cranky and pick and fight more...

 

[dolphlynn]

Thanks for the suggestion. Husband and I moved the dresser into the coop/run area last night and ALL of the chickens were already in the coop when I went to close the run... Hopefully it will continue this week.. I will keep you posted