Need help with pullets going up the ramp at night

[Jl neighborhood flock]

I have 2 pullets moved to the coop last week, and they’re not going up the coop stairs. The hen house is raised1 home is upstairs and the run downstairs. Right now I’ve seen one of them go up the stairs but not at night. What’s weird is I came out in the eventing and they were huddled in the run chirping louder then ever when they could go upstairs. Before the pullets went out I took out a ramp, and the older hens quickly learned to jump up onto they’re feeder, and go up the other ramp to go home, and I’ve also seen them go up the bottom ramp. What I’m thinking is that they’re scared to go up because of the other hens. They’re still scared to be around them and I’m not sure what to do. I also don’t wanna free range them because I’m not sure whether they’ll go home at night. What should I do? Will provide pics of the run if Wanted .

 

[Jl neighborhood flock]

I’m also really concerned because of how Loud they’re chirping at night. I think they’re trying to huddle but having trouble tryna find a good position, what concerns me is that if I come by, or any predator at night, they’ll start chirping like crazy and get all 4 chickens in the coop attacked. Thinking of putting a latch to hold the stairs up at night, anything else I should do?

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photos would help, also the size of the coop. Also how many roosts are in the coop, how long are they and how far apart?

Without photos my guess is you haven't had them integrated with the older birds long enough for them to feel comfortable in a confined space, especially if the coop isn't oversized for integration purposes.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Photos would help, also the size of the coop. Also how many roosts are in the coop, how long are they and how far apart?

Without photos my guess is you haven't had them integrated with the older birds long enough for them to feel comfortable in a confined space, especially if the coop isn't oversized for integration purposes.

Good post and good questions.

I assume your pullets are still juveniles and not laying yet. It sounds like you have 4 chickens total, two pullets and two hens.

What I’m thinking is that they’re scared to go up because of the other hens.

That is a reasonable assumption.

I also don’t wanna free range them because I’m not sure whether they’ll go home at night.

Once they accept your coop and run as home they will want to return there at night, but that may take a while. Occasionally when you first start free ranging they have problems finding the gate that they have been using so you need to be out there at bedtime to help them if they need it.

What should I do?

We might be able to come up with specific recommendations if we know what you are working with. In addition to Rosemary's questions and photos, do you consider your run predator proof? Where are you located so we know something of your climate and weather? How old are they, the young and the old?

People do this all of the time. With enough room it's often not that hard but if room is tight it can be challenging.