I need help!

[Farias1124]

So a few nights ago I posted a funny story of my 3 leghorns hidden in the feeder. Thought it was just a coincidence buuuut they've done it 3 nights in a row instead of going in the coop for the evening. The first two nights it was only the 3 leghorns but tonight it's the 3 usual suspects and my 3 RIR's. All 6 cooped up in their feeder instead of going inside. My girls are about 7-8 weeks old and this is only their 4 night outside in the big house. I do not have a door on the coop because I work some extreme hours and don't want to miss letting them in at night or out in the morning. 2 of my RIR's have figured out to go inside at dusk. But the other 4 are absolutely clueless. I've heard and read from a lot of people that they will "just figure it out" and learn to go in and out as needed. But is there anything I can do to help or speed up the process? Could my ramp be too steep? I will make a cover to go over the feeder in the morning but I just want my girls to get with the program and get it figured out!

My post from the other night: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/794297/what-i-came-home-to-tonight#post_11448517

Picture from the first night:

Here's pics from tonight:

Is my ramp too steep?:

Thanks in advance for any advice or tips!

 

[Lorien]

I have read that it takes about three days for them to be able to remember where the coop/night roost is located. Perhaps you can make sure they go into the coop at dusk for three or four days in a row. Or at least move them inside the coop when you get home. It may or may not work. Some just decide they don't want to roost inside, Three of mine decided to live in my neighbor's yard last week. :/ Silly chickens.

 

[3riverschick]

Do you have a light in the coop? If so, put a timer on it , or just leave it on 24/7 , so at twilight, the inside of the coop is lit. I have found my birds always choose the light at night if given a choice and will troop up and put themselves to bed.
I also go to Lowes and by an 18.00 LED solar floodlight. I mount it outside the coop so the light shines in the window at night. It gives off about 20 watts of light. Enough so the birds can see each other in the darkness in case they hear a scary noise. Perhaps two of them would illuminate the coop enough to bring the birds in. Costs nothing to run. The LEDs come on at twilight and go off at dawn.
Best
Karen in western PA, USA

 

[Farias1124]

Thanks for the advice! Lorien like I said I work long hours 4am-10 or 11pm but I do place all the girls inside when I get home and they make their own way out at dawn. 3riverschick ill have to make it to the hardware store this week and look into the solar lights. Thank you both again for the advice.

 

[Mrs. K]

either put a lid on your feeder so they can't get in there, or put that feeder in the coup as is and their feed in a bowl outside. Then they will go in the coup to get in that feeder. Eventually they won't fit, but will be used to going in the coup.

They are still pretty little and feel better all huddled up, warm and safe. They are not quite ready for the roosts yet.

Mrs K

 

[Farias1124]

either put a lid on your feeder so they can't get in there, or put that feeder in the coup as is and their feed in a bowl outside. Then they will go in the coup to get in that feeder. Eventually they won't fit, but will be used to going in the coup.

They are still pretty little and feel better all huddled up, warm and safe. They are not quite ready for the roosts yet.

Mrs K

That's great advice Mrs K. I'm going to give that a shot tonight at bed time. I couldn't believe all six were smoothed in there together but when I took them out they were all so warm and cozy.

 

[Farias1124]

Alright so I covered the feeder this morning before leaving for work. I maid it home this evening before dusk. I find the feeder still covered (awesome) and I find these gals hanging out.

They were SO close to making it in. One of my RIR's was all rooster up and tucked in inside all alone but these five apparently only wanted to make it half way up. I'm definitely happy with the progress made by just covering the feeder but should I go further and remove those roost branches?.... Or am I just over reacting and if they don't want to go in they don't want to go in? Lol

Thanks
Brian