New here! Will have a lot of questions!

Date sort Score sort
momof2boyz64

momof2boyz64

Hatching
6 Years
Joined
Jul 16, 2013
Messages
6
Reaction score
0
Points
7
Location
Valley Grove, WV
Hi, I am Helena from Valley Grove, Wv (northern panhandle, close to Wheeling).

I have raised chickens in the past, but NOT properly, from what I have learned here on BYC. Before buying my 18 babies, I did all kinds of reading and research.

When we moved into our new house it came with a ready made coop that I HAD to fill! I enjoyed my chickens in the past, and knew I wanted them again. The result has been incredible. Not only has it strengthened my relationship with my 2 young step- sons, but it has also shown me a nurturing side of our 10- year old.

My only problem so far is getting my 18 babies back in the coop at night. I have 12 that go in voluntarily, but 6 that refuse to go back in to the coop at night. The result has been jumping inside the chicken yard and doing our nightly chicken "round up." Any suggestions? I have even tried treats, but even that doesn't lure the stubborn six in to the safety of the coop.

Also, I started off with Scratch and Peck feed because it is non GMO and natural. The shipping cost is killing me! When I asked at my local feed stores for natural and non GMO feed I actually had one manager say, " Oh, you are one of THOSE." Made me angry, and I won't be going back! Any suggestions on healthy natural feed?

Thanks!

Helena
 
welcome-byc.gif
Have your tried locking them in the coop for a few days so they really know where their home is and will(usually) head back to roost there.
 
They were in the coop for 2 weeks before I started letting them out in the chicken yard. The other night it rained, and thankfully my guys went out right away...my stubborn six were in the corner of the pen with my little cotton headed rooster...at the bottom, belly up and appearing dead...my honey brought in mr. Cotton...gave him a warm bath, wrapped him in a towel from the dryer and kept him on his lap...he couldn't believe it when he heard him peeping...kids gave him spoons of warm water and he is fine now...very scary...when I got him the kids were still upset and daddy was their hero...
400
 
Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan
big_smile.png


You might try closing them in again for at least a few days. You can also encourage birds to go in the coop by keeping their feed inside. Many birds will also train to come in by using scratch grain in a little tub- shake the container and feed them only inside the coop, never outside. Call them in each evening before it starts to get dark, and shut them inside for the night, they usually will get it eventually.
 
Welcome to BYC! I would leave my chickens confined to the coop/run area for a week or two to get them used to roosting inside the coop. Good luck to you.
 

New posts New threads Active threads

Back
Top Bottom