Staying out late

[red dirt chicks]

We just moved our new flock to the coop from the brooder box Friday. We kept them in the coop from night to Sunday morning before letting them out to free range. Sunday night about 14 wanted to roost outside after dark. Is there something I can do to get them to go in the coop after dark?
We had no problem when they were in the brooder box.

 

[Ridgerunner]

You could leave them in the coop for about a week before you let them out. That way they learn where home is.

You can feed them scratch in the coop just before dark and shut the door on them to get them in the habit of going in there to roost.

After they go to roost outside you can collect them and put them on their roosts in the coop. After a while, they'll probably get the idea. Could be challenging if they are roosting in trees.

Good luck!!

 

[ibpboo]

Sometimes you do have to put them in the coop so they get the idea to go in there. That has happened to me before, and I just kept putting them in, took about 3 times. Mine were very young at the time.

 

[newchickenrick]

I am new to chickens and have 12 americana's and 12 silver wyandottes. An hour after dark about 10 of the 'dottes and 4 or5 of the others are on top of the fence and have to be carried into the coop.

I am in northern Minnesota where there are quite a few predators and am worried for them after dark. I left them huddled on the fence one night but don't chance it anymore. Will they ever start using the coop with the others?

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I have some that prefer roosting outside in the trees, on poles, and other things like that. As long as they will roost off the ground then I let them and they are just fine. All my really valuable chickens I put up, although they all pretty much roost in the coop anyways, but I don't take chances at night with them. I don't have a problem with anything bothering them either.