Training flock to go into coop

[debid]

Can you mod the coop to put an acrylic panel in somewhere? Homing them to the coop building is just so much easier and a window would allow you to take a peek and know that everything is OK whenever you want.

 

[Perris]

My question is when they’re out full time what is the best way to train them to enter the house in the evenings?

As others have said, you have to physically put them in until they can manage on their own.

If, when you start taking them outside, you put them into the coop instead of the run, they will use the ramp automatically, and start to make the right associations, as rosemarythyme said

putting them inside the coop and them taking the ramp to get out.

Like this

Putting things either side of the ramp to guide them, as shown in the photo, helps too. The solid green 'big hands' stop them going off to that side or under, and the log gives them staging platform if they veer the other side. The non-slip fabric on the ramp also helps to prevent them slipping on the plastic ramp (whose grooves are cut for adult size feet). They will try to stick together by following each other's cheeps, so try to keep them together as a group, otherwise the one lost can attract those who already made it in to come out again

I'm wondering what is the best way to transition them to a window-free (Nestera Penthouse) coop when it is time. In the past, I kept new hens/pullets inside for a couple of days before offering run access, but that doesn't seem appropriate when there is no natural light in the coop.

I would do that. You could put a mesh over the door, it will provide quite enough light for their first few days, and let them safely peek at their new home before they venture out in it.

But I think you will need to rig up a ramp. The ladder on that coop is designed for adult chickens; I doubt chicks could navigate them even with a broody to show them. My best broody gets them all organized before they go up the ramp to bed

 

[LastHomelyHenhouse]

If I’m remembering right Nesteras have openings under the roofline for ventilation but they’re not windows. They’re adjustable vents.

This is correct.

 

[LastHomelyHenhouse]

As others have said, you have to physically put them in until they can manage on their own.

If, when you start taking them outside, you put them into the coop instead of the run, they will use the ramp automatically, and start to make the right associations, as rosemarythyme said

Like this
View attachment 4317145
Putting things either side of the ramp to guide them, as shown in the photo, helps too. The solid green 'big hands' stop them going off to that side or under, and the log gives them staging platform if they veer the other side. The non-slip fabric on the ramp also helps to prevent them slipping on the plastic ramp (whose grooves are cut for adult size feet). They will try to stick together by following each other's cheeps, so try to keep them together as a group, otherwise the one lost can attract those who already made it in to come out again

I would do that. You could put a mesh over the door, it will provide quite enough light for their first few days, and let them safely peek at their new home before they venture out in it.

But I think you will need to rig up a ramp. The ladder on that coop is designed for adult chickens; I doubt chicks could navigate them even with a broody to show them. My best broody gets them all organized before they go up the ramp to bed
View attachment 4317152

Yes, I have considered the need to make a temporary ramp that has nonslip properties and a more gentle slope than the ladder. I did not think about blocking the sides, that's a good idea. Thank you!