Training Pullets to go to coop

[cjp4]

I have 2 pullets that were hatched on 6/18/25 that have integrated wonderfully into my small flock. My only issue with them is that they will not go into the coop at night. I have to go out every evening after the sun has set and place them in the coop. I have been putting them just inside the door, once there they have no issue going to roost. This has been going on for almost 2 weeks. How do I train them to to go inside on their own?

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

Keep them locked in, even if you have to lock them in just before they roost. It takes two weeks for them to adjust, so they're adjusting to the outside roosting.

 

[thecatumbrella]

Man, I feel like I've been very fortunate with mine. Both groups learned to roost after only a couple nights of training. I'm wondering if integration just complicates things, even if it's going well otherwise.

What time are you having to go out and put them in? Is it dark dark? Because one of my pullets loves to hang outside way later than the others.

 

[RubelliteRose]

It may just take a little more time. My most recent group of pullets learned to go in the coop to roost after just a couple of days but I have also had a group that took over 3 weeks of manually placing them in the coop before they went in on their own
Another possibility is that one of your older hens is intimidating them so that they are reluctant to go inside until it is dark and she has settled down.

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Also, if it’s REALLY dark, they may not yet understand that the coop is the final destination. You might try a small battery-powered nightlight inside the coop, especially a light on a timer if there is such a thing. It doesn’t need to be bright; just sort of a welcoming glow. This worked for my young ones.

 

[cjp4]

Keep them locked in, even if you have to lock them in just before they roost. It takes two weeks for them to adjust, so they're adjusting to the outside roosting.

Keep them locked in the coop? It is a shared space with my other 4 with no real way to block them off.

 

[cjp4]

Man, I feel like I've been very fortunate with mine. Both groups learned to roost after only a couple nights of training. I'm wondering if integration just complicates things, even if it's going well otherwise.

What time are you having to go out and put them in? Is it dark dark? Because one of my pullets loves to hang outside way later than the others.

It's usually 8:00/8:30 when I go out.

 

[RoseHawke]

Where are they going in lieu of going in the coop? Is it an unfamiliar ramp? After hearing your story I feel very fortunate with mine, I think the longest it's taken is just shy of a week, with the shortest being about 3 days.