New to the coop

[SarahBeth9394]

I put my chicks out in the coop two days ago. I know they can all get down but have only seen one get back up. Last night I went out and physically picked them all up and put them in the coop. I think I may have done it early because it was just barely getting to be dusk. I've read it's instinctual for them to go in their coop to roost at night. Is this just after dusk or when it is good and dark out. I have food and water in the coop and yesterday I put the water in the run and my hubby threw a handful of feed on the ground. When I put them in they all attacked the feeder. Where do you keep your feed and water in coop or out? I'm hoping they figure out go in for food and water soon so that's where it can stay. I'm out there at least 6 to 8 times a day checking on them.

 

[Fred's Hens]

It takes time for them to learn all the ropes. You can leave them in the coop for a couple days for them to fix that as home.
Climbing, descending, coming in at dusk, are all learned activities. They master them all, it just takes some time.

 

[SarahBeth9394]

yeah the first two days I had them in with the windows open when I was gone and brought them in and out when I was home. I know Sunny (can't believe they have names but my daughter insisted) can go in and out on her own. I think today I'll put them in when I'm gone. But that will only be for a bit less than three hours. I'll just keep an eye out to make sure they are all learning. Yesterday they were so cute when I went out in the middle of the day they were all in the nest box sleeping together.

The funny thing is I now get chicken math. I went to buy hay for the next boxes so I could move the 6 week olds into the coop. They had Silver Laced Wyandotte hatchlings and I bought 2. You'd think I'd be relieved that I got my first chicks in the coop but now I've got 2 more new babies brooding. The coop will be full and my hubby is glad that I can't fit any more in.

 

[DickGJ]

THis is one of the most common "problems" we beginners seem to post here on BYC. I just got over this issue this week after a full week of frustration. I have an elevated coop and most of mine would bed down underneath the coop in one big cluster...after dark. I would have to hand "deliver" them into the coop while holding a flashlight in my mouth. I tried everything from locking them up for another week, putting treats on the ramp, and turning a light on inside the coop...nothing seemed to work all at once. However, gradually half of them began going inside the coop just before dark...I was still frustrated cause I had to gather the others up and manually place them in the coop. I had planned on locking them up again for another week or so, but when I got home...I found that my wife let them out. I was disappointed, but low and behold...when it began to get dark, every single one of them march into the coop. Some were procrastinators, but as long as the majority of them got inside...it seems that was enough to convince even the most hard-headed of them. That was three nights ago and so far...they haven't missed a beat in taking to the ramp and settling inside the coop for the night! It's frustrating...but hang in there, they will finally catch on!

 

[mdbokc]

Put a light in the coop. They will most likely head for the light as well at the appropriate time. The only thing worse than entering a dark coop is ........ I'm not sure. They won't pass through a darkened door to enter or exit. I suspect that is an instinctive fear of the dark since they can't see in the dark. Bad things await them in the dark.

I always have a feeder and water in the coop.

 

[DickGJ]

I'm told that after a while, you won't even have to use the light...they just begin to realize more and more that the coop = SAFETY! I still coax mine in with a little light inside the coop. I'm currently using a 6 ft rope light. It's not very bright, but light enough to let them continue feeding/drinking once inside the coop. The nice thing about the rope light is that it's LED and uses very little electricity.

 

[SarahBeth9394]

Last night they stayed out till we went to put them up for the night. They stood at the door of the run cheeping for us to come say hi to them. Then when I put the feeder and water back in the coop one of them hopped on me and then into the coop. This started the parade. I only had to help two of them in. My hubby said I did a good job of taming them into being friendly. Whenever we go out to the coop the girls come for some lovin. Even this morning my hubby had one hop up on him and he actually liked it. He who didn't want chickens helps with them alot and is enjoying them.

 

[sueche]

mine did the same. I put them on the ladder to go up, and put them up in the coop. my smartest chicken is rosey a rir. she is the leader of the bunch. they are pros now

 

[tanyizzle]

This thread was really helpful! I'll be sure to put a light in the coop. Thanks for the great info, this newbie appreciates it!

 

[DickGJ]

Quote:
I'm really amazed at how "connected" some of these chickens can be with their owners. I've only seen it in pictures before, but this weekend one of mine jumped up on my arm and I actually held it like a little puppy in my arm while petting it! For gosh sake, I never thought I'd be petting a chicken! (Let alone feed them yogurt, mealworms and other treats!) Heck, when they see me heading for their coop/run they all run up to greet me...they know my arrival usually means treats are coming! I'm also beginning to believe they're a little smarter than I previously gave them credit for.