Moving chicks into chicken coop

[oma4630]

Hi, The chicken coop i bought has a run underneath with a ladder going up into the coop. I moved my chicks into the coop at 51/2 weeks. They have been in there for 4 days now. The problem I have is that they will not go up the ladder into the coop. Each night the huddle into one corner of the run and I have to practically crawl in there and pick them up to put into the coop - which really freaks them out. Any suggestion as to what I can do to teach them to go up the ladder and into the coop. I do have a light bulb in the coop for extra warmth at night.

 

[beallfarms]

Hi, The chicken coop i bought has a run underneath with a ladder going up into the coop. I moved my chicks into the coop at 51/2 weeks. They have been in there for 4 days now. The problem I have is that they will not go up the ladder into the coop. Each night the huddle into one corner of the run and I have to practically crawl in there and pick them up to put into the coop - which really freaks them out. Any suggestion as to what I can do to teach them to go up the ladder and into the coop. I do have a light bulb in the coop for extra warmth at night.

This is my second year with chickens so I'm no expert but what I learned (thanks to Backyard Chickens!) is that when you move chicks into their new home, aka coop, you need to keep them in there for about a week. Locked up. Don't let them out. They learn that's home. The roosts are there, etc.

My coop was big enough I could keep food and water in there. After a week locked in coop (no different than when they were in brooder), they learned that was their safe place, that was their bed, etc. Now, a year later, they can free range all day but they always know where "Home" is!

 

[oma4630]

They have been out there for several days now - wonder if it is to late to try that?

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

This is my second year with chickens so I'm no expert but what I learned (thanks to Backyard Chickens!) is that when you move chicks into their new home, aka coop, you need to keep them in there for about a week.  Locked up.  Don't let them out.  They learn that's home.  The roosts are there, etc. 

My coop was big enough I could keep food and water in there.  After a week locked in coop (no different than when they were in brooder), they learned that was their safe place, that was their bed, etc.  Now, a year later, they can free range all day but they always know where "Home" is!

X2

I did this with my hens and it worked out great.

I would assume that it is not too late for you to try this with your birds. Good luck!

 

[beallfarms]

No definitely not too late. Good luck!

 

[mmmeyer]

you've got plenty of time. They need the shut in time to realize that inside they are safe and home. Then they'll come out and most importantly go back in when they need to.

 

[oma4630]

Thank you for your replies. I will put them in tonight and lock them in for a couple of day's. Good timing - as it is suppose to start raining tonight and for the next couple of days, and this will be their first rain.