When will chicks learn to use the coop at night?

[Florida Rooster]

Hi, this is my first time raising chicks so there is a lot I am learning/don't know. My chicks are about 6 weeks old and have only been in their coop for about a week, so I guess their still learning too! The thing is that when it gets dark they all huddle on the ground in the run and I have to come and put them in the coop for the night. is there a way to teach them or will nature take its course? They have been playing on the ramp during the day so I know that they can climb it...

Thanks

 

[Dawn419]

Hi and Welcome to BYC!

It will take them a few weeks to get used to using the coop. When we first put our 6 week old chicks out (last June) they first huddled together on the ground and then began roosting on the ladder that goes into the coop.

Hope this helps!

Dawn

 

[Gainesvillechickenlover]

Hi,
They will get it. I put mine out in the coop at around 7 weeks. They would sit at one side of the pen and scream until I made them go into the coop and shut the door. They did this for about 5 days. Then on the 6th day I looked out there around dusk and they were in the coop on their perches. I was very proud. That was about 3 weeks ago and they now have a wonderful routine.