Putting chick up at night

[foxtrotters19]

Do they instinctively know when to go into the coop or do you have to train the girls when to go to 'bed'?

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

Most chickens go to the coop before night sets in as they have very poor night vision. Sometimes they need coaxing but it is usually a natural instinct to head to their roosts.

 

[IamRainey]

The traditional knowledge passed on to me was keep them enclosed in the coop for a week so they imprint on it as "home". Then they'll always return at the failing light.

Worked for me.

 

[A_Fowl_Guy]

The traditional knowledge passed on to me was keep them enclosed in the coop for a week so they imprint on it as "home". Then they'll always return at the failing light.

That usually works. My latest flock did not get that memo haha!

 

[gander007]

My birds get off the ground an hour before the sun sets and front porch to my shed there is a nightly fight for the best spots to roost and railings are the favorite spots .

Now if you want them in a coop at night and you let them free range in the day time the you should keep them in there for several weeks before letting them run free but remember free range chickens can grow a mind of their own ..