When/how will my chicks learn to go up to roost?

[piercesdesigns]

OK, the girls have been out since last week. Every night, I go out and pick them up and put them into the hen house. They stay once I put them up there if it is dark. They do know to come down in the morning.

Will they ever learn to go up? How can I help them.

 

[piercesdesigns]

Anyone have any ideas?

 

[a123andpoof]

they will figure it out themselves! At least my girls did!

 

[piercesdesigns]

Should I keep putting them up there manually? It gets down to about 45 at night and don't like the idea of them exposed.

 

[a123andpoof]

How old are they?

 

[piercesdesigns]

They are about 8 weeks.

 

[a123andpoof]

I think they would be okay, but they might like it if you can provide a heat lamp for at night. I am new to this to, but this is just what Im finding.

 

[Pele]

It sounds like your girls havn't figured out that the coop is home yet. Usually when I move chicks out to the coop, I keep them locked in it for at least 24 to 48 hours. That way they see it as their new 'home' and as a point of safety and warmth. After that time passes, they police themselves and march up to the coop religiously every night. I just close it when it gets dark

.

 

[chick-in-florida]

my chicks don't go up on roosts until they are much older than that. they still lay all together in a big pile on the floor.

 

[Merryment]

We had this problem the first week they were out. We put a flashlight up in the roosting area and they seem drawn to it. Had a couple of stragglers at first, but they eventually got it. We also blocked off the corner of the run they were going to. All's well now. Keep it up, they'll figure it out soon.