Moving chicks to the coop and run

[Jtp79]

Well guys, yesterday was the big day. We got the chicks moved outside it was sunny and 75 degrees. No problem on the move BUT we got home last night about 9 after softball games and the chicks were all laying outside on the ground. We caught them all and put them in the coop without much problem. This morning we go out about 615 am been daylight for probably 45 minutes. Only one chick was outside in the run. The other 20 were happily hanging out inside the coop. We picked a few up and put them out the chicken door and then shewed the others to the walk in door and they jumped out one by one. I was hoping they would just catch on.

What should I do so they know to go in and out? They are about 8 weeks old and have been inside their entire life til yesterday.

 

[SuperMyke]

I had the same problem with a few that just did not catch on to the routine. Some would huddle together and not even go into the coop. Some would go in and not come out. I am thinking it took me about 10 days before they were going in and out and picked up on the routine. Now they are on the occasion staying out. I finally just figured I can not keep putting them in and out. Kinda like tough love with my teenager. Sometimes they will have to have uncomfortable experiences till they figure it out on their own. Best of luck - Let us know what you do and how things go. God's Peace!

 

[PirateGirl]

Mine took weeks before they fully got the hang of it. They were great at going out in the morning, but not so great at climbing the ramp and going to bed at the end of the day. At first I'd have to catch them, then just herd them. Putting a light on in the coop at dusk helped. If it was lighter in the coop than outside they were more likely to go in. I would turn it on at dusk, wait 10 minutes and then go check on them and most if not all of them would be in the coop. I'd then lock the door and remove the light. A flashlight would do the trick.

 

[igorsMistress]

A light in the coop will draw them in. I just moved them in a few nights just as it got dark and they got it down in a few days.