Lock up time????

[hjvac25]

In general is there a normal time to go out and lock up the chickens? I was planning 7pm but wondering if that's ok??? Do they adjust to my time consistency or should I adjust to theirs???? First night out tonight. Fingers crossed.

 

[bobbi-j]

I just go out sometime after they've all put themselves in for the night.

 

[Silkielover16]

Ya i was wondering that too i have been having lots of troubles getting them into there coop though

 

[hjvac25]

But when do they learn to put themselves to bed???? Does that take a while? Mine are in a large dog kennel style fence and then there is a coop inside. I put them in the coop tonight - none had ventured in there today on their own. Wondering if this will all naturally happen? And is it dark out when yours go in or not yet? Sorry....lots of ?'s

 

[7L Farm]

Here's what mine do. My two flocks free range everyday. They go to roost way before its totally dark. Around 7: 30 PM both flocks are on their roost it gets dark a little after 8:00 PM. I go do a head count in my three sided coop at 7:30 & lock the door. My other coop is four sided & has auto pop door that closes at 8:00 PM. At 8 I go in there head count door is closing. I lock the human door & I'm done.

 

[geoff40]

If you have only just moved them in to their coop, it can take a short time for them to learn to roost. Do you have a roost set up for them in the coop? A solid beam across the width, highest point up, with enough room above so they can stand up. A 2X4 works well. They will likely need a ramp/ladder to climb to it too. But not above their food, water, or nesting boxes.
I simply wait until dusk, they all go in by themselves. No chasing them around. In other words, you'll be happier if you adjust to theirs.