Tips on getting 5 week chicks to go into the chicken house at night?

[Krissygirlusa]

I waited until dark and they still weren’t in there. I heard they automatically go in there but they won’t yet. I don’t love crawling around in a coop wrangling chicks after I’ve showered in the evenings. Any tips for getting them to go in there by themselves?

 

[DobieLover]

I waited until dark and they still weren’t in there. I heard they automatically go in there but they won’t yet. I don’t love crawling around in a coop wrangling chicks after I’ve showered in the evenings. Any tips for getting them to go in there by themselves?

I have a dusk to dawn 7 watt night light that gives off enough light for them to see to get up the ramp. That helps a lot and I highly recommend it.
You may also try tossing a handful of mealworms in the coop a few minutes before dusk to encourage them to come in.

 

[Glitterchicks]

I waited until dark and they still weren’t in there. I heard they automatically go in there but they won’t yet. I don’t love crawling around in a coop wrangling chicks after I’ve showered in the evenings. Any tips for getting them to go in there by themselves?

It might take a few nights of you putting them in the coop before they start doing it on their own.

 

[AlleysChicks]

I keep them locked up in the coop for a couple days so they know that’s home base. I just put chicks out on Saturday and they did great going back in the coop tonight.

 

[aart]

I use a battery operated puck light in the coop to lure them in.
Turn it on an hour before roost time, then turn it off after dark when you lock up.