So many questions!!

[joyinbeingamama]

Ok...I have 8 chickens and they have just gone outside! We waited till they had their feathers on their heads and then we put them out in their coop! The coop is penned in in the bottom and then it has a ramp to go up into the roosting area. They have been outside for 4 nights but they won't go up there by themselves! They'll go up during the day, but when it's cold or raining, they won't! They all huddle in the bottom in a corner!!!! Will they eventually learn to go up there to get out of the cold or rain? I can't keep having my son go out and put them up there every night!!!!!!

 

[Cntry1958]

Hi ,

Try putting a flash light in there for a little bit just before dark and turn it on. See if they go to the light. Give them about 20 minutes to settle down and turn off the light. It may take them a few weeks to settle in and learn its ok to enter even if its dark.

Most people place their chicks inside the coop and lock them in for 3 or 4 days to get them used to it not letting them go out at all for that amount of time. Then begin letting them out and putting them back in.

Try using a flash light or solar light and see if it helps. Best of luck with your flock.

 

[drumstick diva]

Chicks can be very reluctant when the coop is dark but, especially so when it's one of those two floor deals, roost on top floor, ramp going down. They get especially nervous climbing a ramp in the dark.

If you had a light on timer, you could have it go on a little before dusk and go off in about 20 minutes. By then they should have cooped themselves and be ready to sleep.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - you have some great advice and links already so I'll just say hello!

All the best
CT

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under joyinbeingamama

Welcome!

Great advice above .. I hope it works!

I also hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also pop in and say hello on your local thread: https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/26/where-am-i-where-are-you ‘Find your State’s thread.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[joyinbeingamama]

I'm excited to report that all my chicks went up the ramp ALL BY THEMSELVES tonight!!! I can't tell you how excited that makes me!!! We'll watch again tomorrow night to make sure tonight wasn't a coincidence!! Thanks for all of your helpful hints!!!

 

[Teila]

I'm excited to report that all my chicks went up the ramp ALL BY THEMSELVES tonight!!! I can't tell you how excited that makes me!!! We'll watch again tomorrow night to make sure tonight wasn't a coincidence!! Thanks for all of your helpful hints!!!

Good stuff!