Silkie chicks

[JudysMuscovy]

I have 3 - 6 week old chicks, they have there own little coop. It has a ramp for them to get in and out. My husband opens the door for them to get out in the morning and they come running down the ramp, but at night when it starts getting dark they sit and cry until I put them in physically. Why won't they just go in when it's time in their own. I don't mind checking on them cause I go out anyhow to make sure everyone is locked up for the night. But they get louder and louder the darker it gets. Once I put them in they are happy and content.

 

[artistazalea]

Cute chicks!
I've got to tell you though I've had the same problem with almost every silkies I've owned. I have one right now that is housed with different breeds that will go inside with them at night, but yeah, I stopped buying silkies because of this...my son wanted some so thus the new chick. Good luck with your babies though and if you find the secret, let me know.

 

[MageofMist]

I heard Silkies tend to have issues with ramps due to their crests making it hard to see as they go up the ramp, and they fear falling off it.

Mine live in my house so all I have to do is open the door and they come flooding in, with maybe one or two stubborn hens that want to stay out later, who a roo goes out to herd in with a wingdance after doing a head-count. Pretty smart birds.

 

[artistazalea]

Pretty good point mageomists. I didn't think about that. And chickens don't see as well as it gets dark.

 

[JudysMuscovy]

Cute chicks!
I've got to tell you though I've had the same problem with almost every silkies I've owned. I have one right now that is housed with different breeds that will go inside with them at night, but yeah, I stopped buying silkies because of this...my son wanted some so thus the new chick. Good luck with your babies though and if you find the secret, let me know.

yea its crazy they run up and down it during the day cause I have seen them. I am working on integrating them with the year old hen I have the rooster sleeps outside but she has her own little house and she goes up a ramp every day to go to bed, I am hoping the littles will follow her in. she is actually the mama but I incubated them. So we will see how tonight goes I am hoping they follow mama in the house. they don't have to go up a ramp if they don't want to there is a lower level they can just walk into it.

 

[JudysMuscovy]

I heard Silkies tend to have issues with ramps due to their crests making it hard to see as they go up the ramp, and they fear falling off it.

Mine live in my house so all I have to do is open the door and they come flooding in, with maybe one or two stubborn hens that want to stay out later, who a roo goes out to herd in with a wingdance after doing a head-count. Pretty smart birds.

well that kinda makes sense, but my older silkie hen walks up a ramp and seems to do ok, I am hoping they follow her in her house tonight. I am working on integrating them so I let them out today so I will see how it goes.