Newbie question about roosting at night

[Bonescanner]

just picked up 4 hens yesterday. I have a prefab coop from TSC for them until I build my own. It has a roost bar out in the run and all 4 birds are sleeping on it out in the run instead of in the coop. I’ve seen them all go in the coop at times during the day but they don’t stay there long. Is this a problem, and if so how do I change the behavior?

 

[MarcieR]

I would put them in the coop at sunset and close it up. They will be safer. In fact, I would advise keeping them in the coop for a couple of days so they know it is "home". Then let them out at daylight. You may have to put them in the coop at sunset for awhile, but they will get the idea, eventually. At least, that has been my experience. This is only my second year, so perhaps those with much more experience will chime in. Good luck!

 

[bobbi-j]

How big is your coop in feet by feet? What is your weather like? Is there good ventilation in the coop? How long is the roost bar? What is it made of?

It's not really a problem if you're sure your coop is predator resistant.

 

[Sdominique]

Put them inside henhouse on the roost poles after dark. When they wake up in the morning they will begin to associate that spot with bedtime.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photo or link to your prefab? My guess is they don't want to go in because it's either too small or too dark for them.

 

[Bonescanner]

It’s a coop for 10-12birds. I only have four. I think the issue is the guy I got them from had 20 birds with a very small coop so they are used to staying in their run. I’m going to put a light in the coop tonight and take the perch out of the run to see what they do. If that doesn’t work I will keep putting them in there at sunset and close the door until they get the routine