Not going into Hen House at Night.. What is going on?

[HenNewbie]

I have 4 one-year old hens who are producing eggs beautifully. We moved their coop about 2 wks ago. For the 1st week, they went in just fine. Then the past week, they have not been going into the hen house at night. They are not free range and are in a very secure playhouse coop. They seem healthy and happy. Is there a problem? Do I physically close them up in the coop at night, or not worry about it?

 

[dawg53]

Yes,you'll have to physically put them in for about 3 or 4 nights and if you have to,lock them in. They'll get the hang of it and will adapt and go in by themselves. Anytime you move chickens from one chicken house to another,they have to be retrained.

 

[HenNewbie]

Quote:
You think so? Even though the first week they went in just fine? Well, then I guess I'll be making a trip out to the coop in the evenings for a while. Thanks !!

 

[IggiMom]

Yes, lock them in for a while--even two weeks if you have to. Then they will have forgotten that they ever lived anywhere else.

Hens are our friends. Fortunately, they are not our most intelligent friends.

So they can forget easily.

Catherine

 

[Kittymomma]

I agree with the others, but......Super secure or not I'd go over it really carefully and make sure a rat, squirel, or some other varmit hasn't taken up residence.

 

[IggiMom]

Quote:
OH YES! Very good point indeed. That will certainly make them so they don't want to go in.

That is why I take my good dog with me every night when I go to tuck them in.

Gosh, I don't know why I didn't think of that.

Catherine