nedd more advice pullets wont go in the hen house

[jmo]

Have three older hens and 8 spring pullets. When i first introduced the younger gals to the flock the older girs didnt let them in the house. My big mistake was puting a big do kennel in the fenced in run. as the little girls grew they began sleeping on top of the crate still too scared to go in the hen house. The other nigh something killed one of the little girls from outside the fence. We have removed the dog crate but the little hens still wont go in the house. I tried temptin them with treats and a few will pop in then right back out. Ive got to find a way to lure them in the hen house so i can lock them all in together to train them.(the big hens do not pick on little hens anymore) Run is to short for me to crawl in and catch them. Please help

 

[patandchickens]

First question would be, what temperature is it in the house -- if it is still hot from daytime, then no, they will sensibly not go in there. Solution, a lot more ventilation.

Second question, what kind of windows/light does the house have. If it has nearly no natural light available, then by the time it gets dim outside it is *pitch dark* indoors (especially to chickens, who have *terrible* night vision). Solution: large windows [screened vents would be just as good, this time of year]. Some people would use a little night light, but IMO natural light is quite sufficient if your coop is properly designed. Painting the inside of the house white will also help to some extent.

If it is cool and pleasant in there, and very bright and easy to see their way to the roost even when it gets dim, then you probably have mainly a training problem. And I fear the simplest and most effective thing is for you to grit your teeth, put on old jeans, and crawl in there and *put* them into the house each night til they get the clue. Or build a taller run

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[Scoop]

As our new group begins to lay eggs we are putting them in the big coop with 4 older hens. At first they were really scared and roosted away from the old hens. I think they were afraid to go out in the run with them during the day, too. But within a couple of days they are no longer trying to get out at night when we put them in. In fact, one night they went in the new coop on their own! I think they realize they like the nesting boxes for laying eggs. They also are now out in the run walking around unafraid with the big girls. They adjusted well!