Roosting without light

[retnug]

So... we have recently gotten backyard chickens and have moved them out to the coop. The first problem we had was getting them to go inside before it was dark and the coop door closed. Thank you BYC for the answer to that... a light inside. I have the automatic door setup to activate at dusk when light comes on in the coop and a timer starts a countdown delay on the door closing. At first without the light they would stay outside and get shutout. With the light they go in before the door closes. When the door closes the light goes off.

Now for my question which I have not found an answer for here -

If there is a light on in the coop (even a very dim light) they will roost on a branch that we have set up for them. But when there is no light on in the coop they huddle in a corner on the floor. Is this normal and will it change? They are about 9 weeks old now.

Thanks in advance for any input.

Retnug

 

[Kiki]

Give them time the will put them selves to bed without light soon enough.

 

[sawilliams]

they are still young it can take a while before they get the routine. Overtime they learn to head inside before dusk and be on the roosts before dark. My only thought would be to increase the timr from when the light turns on to when the door shuts and just let them figure it out. If they sleep on the floor a few nights you can move them or leave them. Once they are all getting in and getting up on the roosts on time start reducing the tint the light stays on.

 

[aart]

But when there is no light on in the coop they huddle in a corner on the floor. Is this normal and will it change?

They may not be able to see to get on roost if the light is off.
Are there any windows in coop for natural light?

 

[retnug]

The coop has a skylight and windows but it been pretty dark here lately.

I will try extending the time that the light is on a bit and give them time to get used to it.

Thanks

 

[aart]

The coop has a skylight and windows but it been pretty dark here lately.

I will try extending the time that the light is on a bit and give them time to get used to it.

Thanks

In time, you should leave the light off in the coop to see if they'll go in on their own in time to roost before full dark. Eventually they'll 'get it' and you can discontinue suing the light as a lure.