Run to coop

[CKMom]

I've posted before about my problem. The chickens just love being out in the secure spacious run. The Dominiques and EE's have pretty much mastered going back up the little ladder to the coop. The EE rooster and all the Buff Orps still have no clue, so I have to herd them, catch them and muster them back inside. Tonight we had a storm brewing and it was a workout getting all 15 in before the rain came.

So, how do you teach a chicken to go up the ladder? They are 14 weeks old and have been in the coop since 6 wks old. Somehow I expected the lead chicken would go ,and the rest would follow, nope... Little Roo is a big fraidy chicken..

Should I let them return when they want( weather permitting), then go out and lock up at their normal bedtime?

 

[Metanoia]

Mine free range, but also have a secure run for when we're not home and a coop.

To teach mine that the coop was for sleeping, I let them go to bed normally in the run, and then on dusk popped the couple who didn't go into the coop onto a perch inside. Within 3-4 days all 6 of mine were going into the coop to sleep.

It might take you a little longer to break their habit if they are used to trying to sleep outside. They are easier to catch when they can't see as well because it is getting dark though.