new chicken farmer

[OkieFarmer22]

New chicken farmer from Ok. We have 14 total. Using this site and others to determine what kinds we have. They are
about 13 weeks old. We really enjoy them. I have learned alot from this site and the forum. We are doing the deep
litter method and we free range. Recently, we had a raccoon try to get in the hen house. Failed, and we shot it. Now,
the chicks WILL NOT go into the house to roost. WHAT to do?? We have been carrying them in each night. Any suggestions?
Also..we were considering getting a dog to help ward off varmints..we live in a heavily wooded rural area. Any suggestions
or comments on that? I look forward to learning more about our chicks and learning more from the veterans of chicken farming!
Thanks! The Duncan's

 

[hcppam]

The chickens will take awhile to get over this. Try giving them treats in the coop. Me myself i love my dogs to much to put them in harms way, plus it can backfire. Llamas, donkeys are great. but the best thing is a fort Knox's coop.

Hi, from big bear, you'll love all the info you get here!

 

[kidcody]

from WA.

 

[OkieFarmer22]

I have been putting special treats in the pen...but they get close to the door...and take off.
Once we carry them in, they are fine. Guess we'll just keep it up until.....they forget?? IDK!

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!

 

[redsoxs]

from Kansas, OkieFarmer! I'm sure someone on this site can help you identify those birds! One suggestion on getting the chickens to go to their coop would be be to confine them in it for a few days - they may then start to see it as home. Or maybe just to let them out about the last 1/2 hour of the day - they will range a little but then will go back to their new home. Best of luck to you!

 

[Nicole01]

Hello and welcome to BYC! The chickens should roost when they are ready or maybe roosting isn't something they want to do. I had to make my roosts 10 and 12 inches wide.

My girls couldn't roost on a 4 inch 2x4.

 

[Amigo]

Greetings from South Carolina!

Hope you enjoy it here.

 

[texasgal]

A big Texas-sized

 

[kyeschicks]

Welcome to BYC!