It took mine less time than others' since they had some older ladies to show them the ropes this time, but in the past, it has taken quite some time to get them to where they belong. I started out putting them into the coop at night to show them how it was done and then after a few nights, I left them to their own devices, hoping they'd have gotten the hint. Well, they didn't. They slept huddled in a corner of the run against the outside of the coop. The only thing I'm thinking is that it was too hot inside for them because I did see them going in and out of it during the day time and some nights, a few might go in to sleep. But even when it got cooler and I moved them to the big girl coop with the five older ladies, it still took them some getting used to before they followed their big sisters inside. Now, once INSIDE, they are still having problems using a roosting bar and only three of eight have figured this out at 4 months old. Of course, their older sisters are giving them mixed signals since some of them occasionally sleep in the nesting boxes like a couple of silly fools (I really think they just do it to throw the little ones off cue and confuse them, lol).
Just give your little ones some time. If they are safe not being in the coop, then let them sleep there for the time being. If not, then it might be best to keep shuttling them into the coop. Like BoltonChicken said...it's all in their own time with their own instincts. You may be able to get them to do some things by forming that habit a bit sooner, but if they simply aren't ready to do things your way, they won't up and do it.
Just give your little ones some time. If they are safe not being in the coop, then let them sleep there for the time being. If not, then it might be best to keep shuttling them into the coop. Like BoltonChicken said...it's all in their own time with their own instincts. You may be able to get them to do some things by forming that habit a bit sooner, but if they simply aren't ready to do things your way, they won't up and do it.
