I can't ever get this one chicken into the coop!

[sheeshshe]

they are 7 weeks old and getting alittle moody, attitudish LOL! they used to come when I called and I'd pick them up and bring them in.. now I can't... well I bribed them with food tonight and that worked fab except for this one who would NOT take the food. Its like she was like, Oh no no no, you're not going to outsmart me... I know what you're up to.

how in the world can I make this easier because it took 3 of us to get her into the coop! and it was not funny. it took forever and now DH is telling me that I should just never take them out. I can't keep them cooped in forever! their run isn't done yet! And I didn't have issue with the other 3 coming to me with the food trick.. jus this one... what should I do"? any tips?

 

[Judy]

Seems like whatever I bring for treats, there are always a few who aren't interested. Maybe figure out what her favorite treat is?

 

[sheeshshe]

she won't even LOOK at it LOL! she just runs the other direction... I just don't understand... this was THE sweetest one of the whole group. makes me really sad. maybe it is a rooster after all...

 

[farmin'chick]

I had the same problem, and was a little slow on the uptake...Bitsy wouldn't go in because she was the smallest chick and the big roos were all hounding, picking, pecking her to distraction. She wasn't able to rest or get enough food. She started hiding out at bedtime and for several days I'd round her up and put her in....and then I discovered the bullying situation.

I moved Bitsy's night time place to a dog carrier, and I release her in the morning outside. She sometimes gets down from the porch and hangs out with the other chicks, but spends many days on the porch. She's almost doubled in size in the 2 weeks since I discovered her problem and has nearly caught up in size to the other hen of her breed.

Sheesh!

 

[farmerkim]

I have the same problem. I call them and all but one will come running. The other one runs around all crazy. She thinks I am Godzilla, she hates to be touched. The best method I have found is to kind of herd her into the coop with a rake.

 

[emvickrey]

I don't have that problem. Even when I change pens. It may take them a couple of days to figure out whre they are suppose to go at night but they eventually get it. I have 5 that my flock won't accept so they get let out of a small pen every morning to roam and at night if they aren't in the pen they aer on it. I just ick them up and put them inside. When it gets dark or very close to it they will hunker down somewhere and you will be able to pick them right up and pu them where they are suppose to be. I even let oout my mean rooster for the day and at night he dind't go in his pen but on it. I just picked him up and scooted him right on it no problem.

So I suggest leaving the coop open until it just gets dark and go out and see if they are all in there. They don't like to be out at night. They like the security of the flock and a closed door. I usually go in and do a head count then close the door.

 

[sheeshshe]

hmmm. Im not sure what the issue is. really I don't. yes its one of the calmer chickens but none of them ever peck at each other ever... so that can't be it. Im a little nervous about letting him/her out until dark though... we have skunks etc and Im afraid something would happen if I don't get them in soon enough. perhaps the chick doesn't like the new coop?

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

I had a rooster who hated me. He was aggressive and very skittish. I found that the only way to his heart was through his stomach. The only food he EVER ate from my hand was bananas. No clue why. I'd watch him choke down a peice as big as his head with satisfaction.

Roosters are usually the ones who wantthe food the most, so I think you just have a skittish hen. A rooster will get some food and cheep for his hens to come over and pride him of his findings. Hens are typically the ones that don't care for the goods in this situation. Try different things. You'd be surprised what some chickens will eat.

 

[Skamaghetten]

My girls don't like to go in their coop at night either, they love to be free. I just wait until it gets a little after dark and go collect the ones that haven’t made it in the coop. I refuse to chase chickens all day. Once the sun goes down they won't run when being approached.

 

[kagedgoddess]

my smallest also wont go in the coop unless noone else is in there. So When i can, i catch her first and shove her in. she wont even come over when i have treats, she knows the others wont let her have any. i dont want to seperate her cuz i figure someone else will just take her place on the bottem of the pecking order.