Sleep in the coop please

[Andy E 123]

hi all
I have three chickens nearly a year old
They never sleep in the coop I built them
They sleep on the sloped ladder I built them in the run
I guess this is because this is the highest point
Inside the coop is nice and dry with a perch
I have taken the ladder away now to encourage them to go in the coop, is this right or am I being too fussy (they lay every day)
Cheer

 

[Lamaremybabies]

If predators aren't a concern for you I don't see why not let them sleep on the perch, if you really want them sleeping in the house try putting them in the house every night for a week or so and closing the door. That way they'll learn to sleep in there.

 

[Andy E 123]

Ok thanks
Preds not a prob
I guess that means early morning wake ups

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Could you put a small version of the perch ladder inside the house? it might help them go in at night.

 

[Andy E 123]

Nice idea
I'll give it a try and let u know

 

[Chickassan]

Maybe build them a ladder that leads up to the coop so when they get up there the coop is the highest point.

 

[PD-Riverman]

I have taken the ladder away now to encourage them to go in the coop, is this right or am I being too fussy (they lay every day)

Now put them in the coop at first dark--on roost poles----might have to do that a couple nights to get them use to it. They Like to roost in the highest places---keep that in mind.

 

[Lamaremybabies]

Hopefully it will help.

 

[Cryss]

Yes, they are looking to roost at the highest possible point. Take away the ladder and anything higher than the bedtime roosts. Lock them in at night like has been mentioned. If that doesn't work lock them in for a few days. They learn this is my home.

 

[Howard E]

Where are you located.......approximately. State or region if nothing else.

Can you post a better photo of your coop / run interface? Where the two come together?

From what I can see, what they have in the run would be far more to their liking than the dark and poorly ventilated house. They are simply voting with their feet.