Why won’t my chicks go back into the coop at night?

[Hopperkiller]

How about putting screen on inside of the door, then just open the door so they are in the coop and can see out. Do this for a short time so they get more used to coop being home. Mine took a while longer to get up on roost buy finally they trickled p there.

 

[BiddyBiddy]

How about putting screen on inside of the door, then just open the door so they are in the coop and can see out. Do this for a short time so they get more used to coop being home. Mine took a while longer to get up on roost buy finally they trickled p there.

Hmmm, interesting idea! It’s supposed to storm here for the next 3 days. This would be great timing to try this.

 

[Henrybelle]

Try treats mine love corn, and peas I buy frozen but rinse with warm water to thaw. in the summer I’ll leave frozen. I’ve been brooding mine in the house as I finish the coop they are 5 and 6 weeks old bit every day I let them out every day morning til dusk and when I come out with the dog carrier they know it’s treat time and practically run straight in. Corn is high in sugar so I try not to feed them too much just enough so each one can get a few kernels. I’ll continue this when the coop is finished to get them into their new spot though they are already familiarizing themselves with the coop. Hope this helps

 

[Henrybelle]

How about putting screen on inside of the door, then just open the door so they are in the coop and can see out. Do this for a short time so they get more used to coop being home. Mine took a while longer to get up on roost buy finally they trickled p there.

just make sure you shut the screened area at a good time or the nocturnal critters will have easy access to your flock

 

[drumstick diva]

The ramp leading to the roost area is quite steep and if it's darkish inside they may be afraid to attempt it. Do you have the wide side UP ?(roost posts) Chicken don't perch so to speak like sparrows and other wild birds. They prefer to have their feet flat in front of them.

Some people have a light on timer inside the coop, that will shut off maybe 20 minutes after dusk, so the birds have a chance to find their way around and settle before complete darkness.

 

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[BiddyBiddy]

The ramp leading to the roost area is quite steep and if it's darkish inside they may be afraid to attempt it. Do you have the wide side UP ?(roost posts) Chicken don't perch so to speak like sparrows and other wild birds. They prefer to have their feet flat in front of them.

Some people have a light on timer inside the coop, that will shut off maybe 20 minutes after dusk, so the birds have a chance to find their way around and settle before complete darkness.

Yes, the roost is nice and wide (2x4). A few of them do regularly venture up there to play, but most tay on the floor still. Not too wortied about that.

 

[o0Zilla0o]

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Usually birds need to be a bit older before they develop the desire to roost. Going into a pile in the corner is common for chicks that age.

How steep is the ramp into the coop from the ground?

Another issue is that I don't see any windows. As important as fresh feed and water are, lots of fresh air is even more important.

The suggestion of a screen door is ok but with something more substantial than screen. Most predators can blow right through screen.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. Chickens hate change and are slow to adjust to it. If the outside ramp is steep, it will take them a while to figure out how to access the coop.