Roosting??

[Slstretch]

I have three 5 1/2 week old Australorps who have all their feathers. Problem is they will not use their new coop. I have placed them inside the coop three nights in a row and they use the ramp to exit but will not return at night. Instead they huddle in a corner of the pen. My previous experience was that my chickens used there coop right away. Any feedback welcome

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
two things; maybe the coop is dark and scary, can you post pictures? And, it may just take more time placing them in there for the chicks to get with the program.
Mary

 

[LizzzyJo]

Just keep locking them in there at night and they will learn eventually. Could take a week or so.

 

[Slstretch]

This is a temporary enclosure running along the side of my permanent run so that the chickens can adjust to each other. The coop may need more light and i will keep putting them in at night hoping they figure it out. They are getting harder to catch

 

[Justso]

Some need to be taught to move to the pen. It's a little tedious, but go out after dark and lift them in. Eventually a couple will get it then they'll all want to do it. Where I live, staying outside in the run at night only draws trouble.

 

[Slstretch]

Some need to be taught to move to the pen. It's a little tedious, but go out after dark and lift them in. Eventually a couple will get it then they'll all want to do it. Where I live, staying outside in the run at night only draws trouble.

I agree about not staying out in the run but I have never had this issue before, but I've also never had this breed.