Night time

[lillychick]

I have 2 7 week old chicks that have now been outside in there coop for a week. They both seem very happy and run up and down the ramp into the nesting box. Some times they are in their box just resting. When it comes to going to bed they do not want to go in. I have tried nurtering them up the ramp but they just carry on like they are scarred. In the end I have to pick them up and put them in. They cherp and carry on but settle down after a while. Will they get used to it or is there something I should do.

 

[CluckNDoodle]

This is pretty normal when young chicks are learning where they are supposed to sleep. It may take several nights of you picking them up and putting them in there before they start to do it on their own. I would also make sure there aren't mites or something in the coop that it making them not want to sleep in there.

 

[DobieLover]

I have 2 7 week old chicks that have now been outside in there coop for a week. They both seem very happy and run up and down the ramp into the nesting box. Some times they are in their box just resting. When it comes to going to bed they do not want to go in. I have tried nurtering them up the ramp but they just carry on like they are scarred. In the end I have to pick them up and put them in. They cherp and carry on but settle down after a while. Will they get used to it or is there something I should do.

Can you please post some pictures of your coop? I suspect it is one of those little pre-fab jobbies.
If it is too dark in the coop, they will not want to go in.
Also, where are you located in the world? You can update your profile with that general information so it displays with all of your posts.

 

[lillychick]

Can you please post some pictures of your coop? I suspect it is one of those little pre-fab jobbies.
If it is too dark in the coop, they will not want to go in.
Also, where are you located in the world? You can update your profile with that general information so it displays with all of your posts.

I'm in Australia. Yes it's a pre fab. I didn't think about it being too dark for them.

 

[lillychick]

I'm in Australia. Yes it's a pre fab. I didn't think about it being too dark for them.

Picture of coop which now has a nesting box at the end

 

[DobieLover]

I'm in Australia. Yes it's a pre fab. I didn't think about it being too dark for them.

Is it hot there now? That could be another issue. Is there a ramp for them to get up there?

 

[lillychick]

Yes there is and they use it all day but just not a night time.

 

[rosemarythyme]

With the orientation of the coop, when the sun sets, is the fading light going through the window or is it on a different side?

 

[lillychick]

The front is facing west. It's moved from that picture to a spot that's shaded by a big bush so it is mainly in the shade all day with some sun in the mornings. I put a towel on the outside thinking it would make them feel more protected at night.

 

[lillychick]

The front is facing west. It's moved from that picture to a spot that's shaded by a big bush so it is mainly in the shade all day with some sun in the mornings. I put a towel on the outside thinking it would make them feel more protected at night.

Just checking the coop is East to west length wise so probably more South facing. It has been pretty warm and I have brought them inside when it's too hot to cooler temperatures in the laundry