Roosting on the fence outside the coop

[RoosterNamedPagoo]

I have 8 birds, 5 hens and 3 roosters, that will not roost inside their coop at night. They are either roosting on the fence 4ft from the coop entrance or (as of last week) on a pallet of building materials very near the coop. Every night, i have to put them inside the coop! How do I train them to go INSIDE of the coop at night?

 

[BoundlessLove]

I would close them up in the coop, with their water and feeders, for a week.
Check on them and collect eggs, but do not let them out.

 

[BoundlessLove]

After a week, the flock should be fine to go back outside.
If they do not go back up the first night after being let out, put them back in the coop for another week.
Usually takes only about one week and they start going in the coop on their own.

 

[kattabelly]

Assuming you've checked they have enough space to roost comfortably and there isn't anything making them not want to roost in the coop (too hot/cold/windy, leaky roof, any kind of infestation or predator issue, hassle from other chickens that do roost in the coop, etc)?

I'd start by leaving a light on inside the coop a little while before whatever time they usually go to roost. Just a little camping light or head torch or anything like that will do.