Returning to coop at night

[ksmith5141]

We have 18 hens that were just let into the run during the day.
We have an automatic door and have been watching to see if they return to the coop before the door closes.
The first night - not a one even attempted to return.
The second night we rounded them up by the door and they went in.
The door closes at sunset.
Should be just continue this process and they will eventually learn to go in on their own?
They were in the new coop for 2 weeks prior to letting them in the run.
Thanks for any input.

 

[aart]

Should be just continue this process and they will eventually learn to go in on their own?

Yep, they should catch on pretty quick...might take a week.
You may have to turn off the automatic door,
until you are sure they are getting with the program.
A battery operated light in the coop at dusk can really help,
even if you have windows for light.
How old are they?

 

[ksmith5141]

Yep, they should catch on pretty quick...might take a week.
You may have to turn off the automatic door,
until you are sure they are getting with the program.
A battery operated light in the coop at dusk can really help,
even if you have windows for light.
How old are they?

6 weeks

 

[ksmith5141]

They are 7 weeks old

 

[Melky]

They are 7 weeks old

Yep they will do it but need to go out and train them for about a week to go up in house for the night. I put crumble on the ramp to go up. I use manual door because I worry about lock out. A lady here had a predator attack when chick locked out from automatic door. So for this reason I have held off. If they do not go up, put in house. They will do it. Now my hens take themselves up at dusk. Out at dawn waiting for food every morning. Just takes time and training. I trained mine at 4-5 weeks so you can too. I hung a solar lantern outside coop near window on house. This provided enough light for them to return and find their place without being an obnoxious amount of light.