Relocating troubles

[PaulaLucas]

A month or so ago my husband built a new coop in the backyard. We moved the new flock into it. We moved the old coop beside it from the other side of the house, home of my four older chicks. My dilemma that now the older ones won't go to the coop at bedtime. They wait on the front porch and we have to carry them. Is there a way to retrain them? Anybody? LOL

 

[OhZark Biddies]

You might have to put them to bed a few nights in a row... but they should get the hang of it shortly.

 

[Compost King]

I have had similar situations, @OhZark Biddies suggestion is about the best you can do other than locking them in the coop for a week before letting them out. I prefer just moving them every night until they get it.

 

[Pork Pie]

I tend to keep birds in lockdown for 2-3 days in a new coop (with food and water, obviously) and that usually does the trick. I have just seen that Compost King does the same

 

[Cragg Klefor]

If the coop is big enough it might be less hassle for you to lock them into the coop for a few days. Otherwise put them to roost yourself, they will 'get it' after three of four nights anyway. Good luck!

 

[PaulaLucas]

Thanks for the suggestions guys, we have done them all to no avail. They still insist on climbing on the porch. One of them started out going home but even she has stopped. The younger ones continue to go to bed but the four older ones don't.

 

[Mrs. K]

when you see them headed toward the porch, chase them off the porch, a squirt gun, a water hose. Just enough that the porch is no longer a "good" place, they will try it a couple of times, but do not let them roost. And if necessary, herd them towards the coop if they don't head that way them selves.

When I want mine to change a house, one has to lock up the original, you can't really lock up the porch, but chase them off for a few nights, and they will figure it out.

 

[PaulaLucas]

Thanks Mrs. K, that is one we haven't tried. I will let you know if it works. Be blessed ..

 

[aart]

You locked them all in the coop, 24 hours a day, for a week?

How many birds total?
Pics of coop, inside and out, please.

 

[PaulaLucas]

I am going to try something and if it doesn't work I will send pics. I have had them locked up for days because of red tail taking birds. Thanks