Teaching chicks to get back into coop

[mlh328]

Any ideas on how to teach 2 week old chicks to get back into the coop? They come out every morning on their own down the plank with the other hens. Their momma hen jumps up into it from the ground and they can't seem to figure out how to walk up the plank to join her. I have been going out at night to catch them and put them inside for her and they're only getting faster! The other hens won't go in until they are up for the night for some reason so they don't get to see anyone else do it properly.

 

[sourland]

Sometimes widening the ramp and decreasing the angle can speed up the learning process.

 

[mlh328]

I had one about a foot wide but seemed like it was too steep so i switched it back to my old one that is much skinnier but less steep. Looks like maybe i should start from scratch with a wider longer plank. Thanks for the suggestion! @sourland

 

[K0k0shka]

Yes, make the board easier to climb - wider and less steep - and also, give them opportunities to practice during the day. Put treats up at different spots along the board to encourage them to go up and explore, and spend time on the board getting used to navigating it. Put treats in the doorway and just inside the doorway to encourage them to go all the way up and in. This might be tricky if the other hens want to eat the treats, but with the babies only 2 weeks old, mama should still be protective enough to keep the other hens at a distance. If she isn't, help her out and keep them away while the babies are on the ramp.

 

[mlh328]

@K0k0shka thank you! I'll try the treat trick.

 

[Salixx]

Just a thought too but have you tried putting them partially up the ramp and not all the way into the coop?

 

[Swbertrand1]

We kinda "walk" them up the ramp when training if they don't follow a momma hen in. Even following her, some get left behind on occasion by momma.

We'll hold them in one hand and start about a foot or so from the ramp, gently and SLOWLY dragging their feet to and up the ramp while tapping about a foot in front of them with a finger of the other hand while squawking at them like momma does. After a few of those lessons, we'll put them on the ground then nudge them from behind with one hand while still squawking and tapping the ramp in front of them as they progress up the ramp.

Most of ours will get it after a few tries, and it helps to have a light on in the coop so they can see where they're supposed to be going. Remember that chickens don't see well in the dark, and a dark hole into a box is not appealing to them in any way. There will usually be a few that get it first, and the others typically learn from them that it's safe and necessary to go up.

Good luck with the training!

 

[mlh328]

@Salixx I did try that but they seem to just panic and freeze up! They're too funny. I'm thinking maybe if i combine this idea with the treats they'll cooperate. Thanks for the reply!

 

[mlh328]

@Swbertrand1 I LOVE THAT! Will definitely give it a try! Thank you