New Coop Advice

[tds99100]

Hello all. I have six sex link chickens I moved into their coop one week ago. I read somewhere to keep them locked in the coop for one week to teach them that is their home, so that's what I did. I just let them out into the run on Saturday.

They have had a blast with the extra room, but they don't want to go all the way back in the coop. They all go up the ramp at dark, but they cram in the doorway and only go halfway inside. They don't even want to move when I try to shut the door with them in it.

Anyone have any ideas to get them all the way back in the coop on their own?

Thanks in advance.

 

[breezyschicks]

I have the same problem, at dark none of my girls want to go in, they crowd under the ramp and I physically have to put them in the coop...they are about 7 weeks old...possibly I did something wrong along the line?? My first flock, kinda learning as I go...any advice would help

 

[Percheron chick]

Everybody goes through this with their chickens. They'll figure it out in a few days. Just stuff them in the coop and shut the door. As soon as one figures it out the rest will follow.

 

[UpindaSoo]

Agreed, it takes a few nights for them to get the idea, and even then some like to be difficult.

 

[breezyschicks]

Apparently really difficult, its been a week and it seems to me they are comfortable outside...which I would almost let them stay if it weren't for the coyotes in the area...even tho they're enclosed, I would still worry...do I need to put a light in there or something? To signal when its time to come in?

 

[UpindaSoo]

I live in the Upper Pennisula in Michigan so I have a heat lamp in the coop right now. It gets done into the 20's at night and my birds are only 7 weeks old. It's dark by 9:00 here right now, I put the water in the coop at 8:00 and turn on the light, then lock the coop down after dark. The first few days I had to put them in by hand, 4th night on they go in between me putting in the water and locking up.

 

[breezyschicks]

I live about 20 mins south of the Mac but I haven't been using the heat lamp, it hasn't been that cold at night anymore I read on here to not keep water in the coop, I think because of humidity..but I'll try that tonight and see how it goes...by chance do you know anyone who sells BO's? Or at least anyone who you'd trust to buy chicks from?

 

[UpindaSoo]

I don't plan on keeping the water inside all the time, just till they get a lil older, 2 more weeks tops. Same with the lamp, I insulated my coop so I don't think I will need one later, but I wanted the chicks out of the basement.... I'm in the Sault and we had snow last week and high 20's low 30's at night. This is my first time with chickens, I know a few people in the area with flocks but have not purchased from anybody. I bought my chicks April 9th from our local Tractor Supply. I will talk to the people there as they were very helpful and know who has what for breeds.

 

[ChickensRDinos]

Is it very dark inside the coop at dusk? If so you might want to consider a little light or an additional vent/window just to let a little more light in as the sun sets. If it is too dark for them to see the roosts they will not think it is safe or be able to put themselves to bed.

 

[breezyschicks]

Is it very dark inside the coop at dusk? If so you might want to consider a little light or an additional vent/window just to let a little more light in as the sun sets. If it is too dark for them to see the roosts they will not think it is safe or
be able to put themselves to bed.

they did it tonight!!! I finished putting in the screen window tonight! It started getting dark and I saw one girl run in and they all followed!!! So happy! Thanks for the tip!
Oh And upindasoo I got all my chicks from TSC too' and they're about 7 weeks, and its my first time w chicks so we are about in the same boat! Good luck and stay in touch!