Teaching teenagers to go into coop at night - or improving the entrance

[MB13534]

So I have seven teenagers. They are about 7-8 weeks old and have been living outside in their run/coop for two weeks now. They are doing very well, but I am having trouble getting them to go into their coop at night. They keep going up to the top of a ramp that leads to their coop at dusk, but they just congregate and snuggle there, and then I have to place them into the coop. Do you think the ramp and ladder I designed is too difficult for them at night? Having the door on a corner is a little tricky so I would understand if figuring out an easier way for them to get in is the solution. If so, any suggestions on how to improve it? Ideally I would prefer the ramp not be a permanent structure, so I can easily remove it to access under the coop. They don't have any trouble using it during the day when I test their capabilities. And in the morning they just hop right out. Any thoughts and suggestions would be much appreciated. Thanks all

**One of the pictures is a bit old. It shows the old location I was using as the entrance, before I installed the auto door. But even then, they did pretty much the same thing. I just wanted to include the picture it to give a better overview of the whole coop and run.

 

[ChickenFeeds]

Do you have any roosts in the coop? The roosts should always be higher than anything else they could sleep on.

Another solution would be to keep them in the coop for a few days without access to the run. Then they will think of it as their home, and might be more likely to roost there.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd remove that tiny ladder, place a flat platform there instead that sticks out maybe 1', and attach the ramp to the side of the platform with hooks and eyelets or something else to make it removable if that's your preference.

 

[MB13534]

I'd remove that tiny ladder, place a flat platform there instead that sticks out maybe 1', and attach the ramp to the side of the platform with hooks and eyelets or something else to make it removable if that's your preference.

Yea I think that sounds like a good plan

 

[MB13534]

Do you have any roosts in the coop? The roosts should always be higher than anything else they could sleep on.

Another solution would be to keep them in the coop for a few days without access to the run. Then they will think of it as their home, and might be more likely to roost there.

Yea. Once I place them in the coop, theyre good. It took a few days of working with them, but at least they roost on the perches now and not on the bedding

 

[aart]

Don't understand the tiny ladder/steps.
Why not put the ramp up to the pop door?
Are there any windows in the coop to make some light for them to see?