My chickens won't take themselves to bed ?

[Auntieancoats]

Hi all, I have had my 12 week old silkies for around 10 days now. They are finally coming out out their roost in the morning, but will not go back in themselves at night. I have to pick them up and put them back in ? How can I get them to do it by themselves. They just huddle together in corner of their run to go to sleep ??

 

[ChickonLand]

Maybe it's too hot. I have the same problem with my hens in the summer. When it's too cold at night or raining they do go into the coop but it's annoying when they just stay out! Overtime, they may learn or you may just have to start enjoying carrying them to the coop!

 

[3riverschick]

You can put a light in the coop .or if you don't want to pay for the electricity, go to Lowe's and get a Portofino solar light it's about 17.99.
comes with a stake or it has a mount which can be mounted to the coup so it shines in the window at night .
the solar charge lasts for about 8 hours. when it gets dark the only light there is is coming from inside the coop . that worked for my chickens they went to the light and put themselves to bed at night

another thing you can do is maybe move their food and water into the coop at night. Or give them a special treat at night. something that causes them to remember that the inside the coop is a good thing... or it just might be too hot.
Best ,
Karen

 

[Auntieancoats]

Thank you both for your help & advice. I'll try the light next as I tried the treats, encouraging them to come to bed... All hell broke loose.... They were in.... Then out... Then in... Then out.... They beat me