Run roosting

[rgw1]

Ok, so I have four 2 month old pullets that have a very nice coop with a 10x12 run attached. They have two roost outside and one in the coop. They spend all their time outside in the run now, day and night. I kinda prefer it due to the easy cleanup. My question is will they hopefully start using coop and laying boxes when the time comes for eggs or do I need to start making them sleep inside now. The run is predator proof and coop stays pretty cool. Thanks for any advice

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

It's best for chickens to sleep and nest indoors. Not just for safety but also for when it comes to extreme weather conditions. Better train them to sleep inside now then when it's snowy and cold! So, put the chickens in the coop when they normal head to bed and close the door. After a while, they will start doing it on their own because of the routine.

 

[drumstick diva]

Please teach them to roost inside. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to break their habit. You might even remove the outdoor roosts until the realize they should roost in the coop at night.

 

[rgw1]

Thanku !

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Thanku !

No problem. Good luck!

 

[N F C]

Hi, welcome to BYC!

What breed of chickens do you have? Drumstick diva and Mountain Peeps have given you good advice about getting them to sleep indoors.

If you have any questions, feel free to ask and make yourself at home here.

Nice to have you join us!

 

[rgw1]

Thanku, I have two barred rock and two easter eggers that are doing great. But I was worried that if they roost outside in protected run, they wouldn't go inside to lay.....First timer.

 

[N F C]

Sometimes that first egg will land just about anywhere...I guess they aren't quite sure what is going on when they are just beginning. Some people will put a fake egg or even golf ball in the nesting box to give their girls the idea of the appropriate laying spot. If you get them used to going inside, they'll catch on.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[rgw1]

Thanku, very useful site !