Out of the brooder - into the coop

[Sammster]

My chick-a-booms (not calling them "the girls" anymore, because I suspect that 2 might be boys) have spent 2 nights in their coop, now. They are very happy out there. Unfortunately, I didn't learn about restricting chicks to the coop, for bedtime training - until "after" letting them "day-play" in the run for the last week. So, I'm having to gather them up in the evening, to put them to bed.

Today, I set up a coop camera. It's a great tool for peace of mind. I also bought a thermometer/hygrometer that I want to install, so that I can keep an eye on the temperature and moisture levels of the coop

 

[Mamatomany123]

I never confirmed mine to the coop. My first batch were the only ones I didn't brood in the coop but when I moved them to the coop I put in a light. As the sun set I would turn it on and they would be drawn to it. after a few nights they got the idea.

 

[Sammster]

I never confirmed mine to the coop. My first batch were the only ones I didn't brood in the coop but when I moved them to the coop I put in a light. As the sun set I would turn it on and they would be drawn to it. after a few nights they got the idea.

Thank you! I'll give that a try

 

[Sammster]

when I moved them to the coop I put in a light. As the sun set I would turn it on and they would be drawn to it. after a few nights they got the idea

I added a light, last night, per your suggestion - then watched my coop camera. Sure enough - they put themselves to bed at dusk! Thank you for the tip!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

Even if you had restricted them to the coop, they don't usually go to bed automatically without some coaxing when they are that young. I usually have to catch mine and show them where to go for several days before it "clicks".

 

[cluckmecoop7]

I never restrict my babies to the coop when I move them outside. I've never done that to any of my flocks. After about 4 days of sticking them in at night, they knew what to do! I never had to worry again.

 

[Sammster]

Even if you had restricted them to the coop, they don't usually go to bed automatically without some coaxing when they are that young. I usually have to catch mine and show them where to go for several days before it "clicks".

2nd night in a row, they put themselves to bed

 

[Fpaul]

I never restrict my babies to the coop when I move them outside. I've never done that to any of my flocks. After about 4 days of sticking them in at night, they knew what to do! I never had to worry again.

This is what I’m doing but they cry so much that it’s hard to walk away. Will they eventually be okay with it???

 

[cluckmecoop7]

This is what I’m doing but they cry so much that it’s hard to walk away. Will they eventually be okay with it???

When do they cry? When you lock them in the coop for the night?

 

[Fpaul]

When do they cry? When you lock them in the coop for the night?

Yea. They peep so loud. They quite down eventually but I feel so bad. It’s only night 2 of making them sleep in the coop