Stubborn Pullets

[yogifink]

I need a few hints on getting our pullets to go into the coop at dusk. Currently I have 2 young ones that are persistent about roosting outside. We have been bringing them into the coop every night before it gets dark and they take to their roost with no fretting. We locked them in the coop for a week when they were first introduced. I have seen them use the ramp to get into the coop on their own during the day...

 

[cafarmgirl]

Are they getting picked on by the older birds? Do they have enough roost space to roost far enough from the other birds to avoid getting pecked? Also if the coop doesn't have any windows or any source of natural light they may be resistant to going when it starts to get dark.

 

[yogifink]

They are the lowest in the pecking order, but have been with the group for a few weeks now. The hazing is minimal at this point.

There is plenty of roosting space, I'd estimate about 30' worth for 10 birds. They have chosen their own isolated corner to roost in far away from the other girls. The 2 oldest hens, don't even roost, and prefer to sleep together in a nest box.

The coop has a window, and gets light until it goes dark.

 

[petrel]

We had to round up all of our pullets at night for a few weeks before they caught on. They still will not enter the coop unless it is lit. Perhaps if you remove or block any suitable outdoor roosts, that may give them added incentive as well.

 

[yogifink]

Would lighting the coop for a few minutes after dusk help?

 

[petrel]

I believe it may help. I think they want light to be sure no predators await them and afterwards they may need it to get themselves sorted out on the roosts. I guess you could shut it off after that. I use a small 14w red compact fluorescent and just leave it on.

 

[aldarita]

It seems like you don't have a problem with space, so maybe adding light will help. I have 2 night lights in my coops, they are 6 watts each and give just enough light for them to see around. I noticed that the night lights with an LED bulb give a very soft light and not so bright. Hope adding the light helps, let us know.