They won't go in the coop!

[rosemarythyme]

Smart to not lock them in the coop with high temps. Get the extra ventilation added to make the coop as comfortable as possible, then put them in each night if they're still not going in on their own. They'll get the hint soon enough.

 

[cluckcluckhens]

One question? How close are the chicks to your house? Would you have enough time to check on them if their was a problem.

How are the chicks doing today? I hope they adjust soon.

 

[Samjo]

One question? How close are the chicks to your house?

About 40 feet from my back door, and I can see them out my bay window. They are doing fine, and probably wish I would leave them alone!

I just want them to get used to the coop, so when they do start laying, it'll be inside instead of under the coop where they like to hang out. I'm too old to get on my hands and knees every day to pull eggs out that I can't reach otherwise!

 

[Penpal]

Most animals will not go into the dark. Chickens can't see at all in the dark so it's really scary. Put a window in as soon as you can. You may be able to just put a hole in the wall and cover with hardware cloth. Fairy lights aren't doing a thing for them. Once you get the window in, put their food in the back and the roosts in the middle. You might need a light, even with the window at least at first. If they have to go in for food they will get used to it. Also, you can withhold feed before dusk and then put it in the coop so they put themselves in there.

You don't want them laying their eggs under the coop.

 

[Samjo]

Ok...so I added a window this morning. Cut a 15x18 hole in the door, and covered it with 1/4" hardware cloth. I have an led light bulb inside, which is now on a timer to come on at 6:00 and go off around 9:30. I still have the fairy lights inside, so when the led light goes off, they still won't be totally in the absolute dark. There is a "street light" about 50 foot away as well.

I have food and water inside the coop, and I've removed the food and water source from the run. I also took down the roost that was in the run. There are two roost in the coop, and the one night I locked them in, they slept there.

I'll watch them today, to make sure they find the water in the coop, but if this don't do it after a few weeks, I may block off the area under the coop and just roll with it.

I appreciate all the responses, and advice. I do listen to people that know more than me and try to learn!

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC. from the Sandhills of North Carolina. Love that shady location for the coop. Chickens are creatures of the forest floor so they like that kind of environment.

He kept them in a probably 15x15 fence with two solid walls and a roof, but no coop to speak of. The area had plenty of roost, and of course food and water, but there was not a coop so to speak.

This is what's called an Open Air coop -- a setup very well suited to our climate here in the Steamy Southeast.

We don't really need enclosed coops with our hot, humid summers and mild winters -- just lots and lots of fresh air and enough shelter to keep chickens dry and out of the wind during storms.

You are correct, that there are no windows, however there are two vents, approximatly 6x12 on each side of the coop.

You will need to add a lot of ventilation -- the goal is to have the inside temperature and humidity the same as the outside.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/repecka-illustrates-coop-ventilation.77659/

 

[Samjo]

I think we did it!!

After I cut the window this morning, and removed the food, water, and roost from the run, they've spent most of the day so far, inside the coop. With the small fan in the coop, they may be cooler in there, than they are outside. Gonna leave it this way for a few days, and then I'll replace the stuff in the run.

I think we may have solved my problem, knock on wood, and I thank y'all for the help!

 

[Possum-Pie]

Two words: MEAL WORMS!!! These treats will solve anything. My hens hear my door open and come running. Try going out before dusk, give some worms so they know what they are getting, then put a handful in the coop. They will learn quickly to go indoors in the evening...

 

[aart]

Ok...so I added a window this morning. Cut a 15x18 hole in the door, and covered it with 1/4" hardware cloth.

Good Move!
What's the plan to protect it from rain infiltration?

 

[Samjo]

Good Move!
What's the plan to protect it from rain infiltration?

Stop it! LOL

I do have plans for a shutter that can be let down to cover the window, I just don't have that part built yet. The coop is pretty well protected from wind by virtue of it being in the edge of the woods, with about 20 acres of trees behind it. It's also on the side of a hill, so I don't think "Sideways rain" in high winds will be a real big problem.