Roosting at night

[mmclaughlin]

i am tring to get our 4 new chicks to roost with the older hens in the coop.
They have found a roofing stick in the run and every night instead of going into the coop they go to bed int the run? I physically put them in the coop and close the door to the coop? How do I get them to learn where to roost at night?
The chicks are 4months old and they're 2 polish crested and 2 slw ....
Need a few ideas....
Thanks
Michelle

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

For starters, take the roost out of the run for now. You may have to physically put them in for a few nights (bummer, I know), but they will eventually go in on their own. After they're reliably going into the coop on their own, put the roost back in the run.

Good luck!

 

[kayakfish]

You can also place a led flashlight inside the coop area where you want them to go, they will go to the light as it gets dark, then after its dark cut the light off. They will get use to the routine and keep doing it.

 

[azygous]

Using a light, such as a small socket night light or battery camp light, has worked for me in the past when chickens are reluctant to go into the coop at night.

Also, you can try using treats as a lure to call them inside. It doesn't take but a couple of nights and they will be doing it on their own.

 

[shamrockmommy]

The light works!

 

[mmclaughlin]

Thanks all.. We have had success for the last 3 nights! Everyone goes to the coop!

 

[centrarchid]

I would confine the chicks to some container within the coop for three days and nights. Then release from container lare in day 4. The zhould then roost in the container or very near it. The adults may also be excluding chicks but process described above will help with that.