Solar powered silkies?

[SilkieLegs]

We have nine white silkies. They go in and out of the coop run all day - free range. At night, when the sun sets they huddle up and stop right in the middle of the yard. We carry each one (with a hug and snuggle) and put them up inside the coop each night. I think they do it in purpose. If I lock them in the run, they just huddle on the ground. Why won't they go up the ramp and into the coop? They find their way down each morning just fine.

 

[Hanna8]

It's become the routine, and chickens don't like breaking their routines. They also probably enjoy the attention they get when you carry them to bed.