Question on nighttime routine!

[agenimatas]

My 12 week old barred rock girls will not go into their coop at night unless the light is on inside their coop. They have been outside for several weeks but because of chilly nights here in Vermont, they have had their brooding lamp on inside. But the weather is warm now. They have no problem finding home at night as long as the light is on, otherwise I find them all sitting on top of the fence or even on their own roof(even on very warm nights)!!

Help! Did I spoil my girls or can I fix this? I don't want to keep the light if the weather doesn't require it!

 

[bobbi-j]

Can you use a regular bulb on a timer?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Chicks not going in at that age is common, most will go through it and requires you to round them up. What often happens is they stay outside too long than the coop is too dark for them to see and they become scared to go in. As Bobbi-j said you could try a nightlight or just get out there and shag them in.

 

[aart]

Welcome to BYC!

12 week old birds do not need heat no matter how 'chilly'.

Lots of windows in the coop for natural light is advantageous all year round.

Chances are the lighting change it what's got them stalling....
.....or it could be hot/stuffy in there if you don't have adequate ventilation in the coop.

How many birds?..... in how big a coop(feet by feet)?
Pics of coop inside and out might help us help you find a solution.