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

[BiddyBiddy]

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[BiddyBiddy]

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.

It’s a big 12x12 shed with 2 south facing windows. Lots of light in there during the day. I don’t think the ramp to get into the coop is too steep. I even put skid/safety tape and “traction” bumps on it to make sure it wasn’t too slippery.

Theu obiously don’t have a problem playing on it. They just won’t use it to go in at night!

 

[sawilliams]

It’s a big 12x12 shed with 2 south facing windows. Lots of light in there during the day. I don’t think the ramp to get into the coop is too steep. I even put skid/safety tape and “traction” bumps on it to make sure it wasn’t too slippery. View attachment 1387511Theu obiously don’t have a problem playing on it. They just won’t use it to go in at night!

What about some temporary fencing right there around the pop door. Keep the area they use small for a little longer untill they get the idea. It will force then to explore the coop more and make it easier to catch them

 

[Toogoodoo]

I'm new and just perusing the threads right now - just wanted to say that's a gorgeous coop / Chicken McMansion!

 

[ChickenRelatedUserName]

It will only take a few of them to learn before they teach the rest of the flock. They'll figure it out.

 

[BiddyBiddy]

I'm new and just perusing the threads right now - just wanted to say that's a gorgeous coop / Chicken McMansion!

Thanks!

 

[Hopperkiller]

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.

For claification when i said screen i was thinking of hailscreen or what most are calling hardware cloth. Mosquito fly screen is not a good idea. Making a screen frame or door and mounting it where the coop security door can be closed at night was what i was saying albiet i didnt make it as clear as i should have. I even used old barbque grills to screen off chickens and predators on my pop door and to create seperation when adding new flock members. Training my flock to do what i want sometimes takes a tour of my scrap pile.

There has been some very good feedback given here and i will also try to be a little more clear.

 

[pnwchicklvr]

Hang in there. I had to go out nightly for 5 weeks to get mine inside the coop. Once a few of them started it still took about a week for the others to follow. I was thrilled when I went out the last two nights and they were all inside.

 

[nerfworthy]

It usually takes me a couple days of putting the babies inside the coop after sunset for them to figure out it is "home" then before you know it, they start going in on their own at dusk!

 

[BiddyBiddy]

Hang in there. I had to go out nightly for 5 weeks to get mine inside the coop. Once a few of them started it still took about a week for the others to follow. I was thrilled when I went out the last two nights and they were all inside.

5 weeks?!? That’s crazy! Man I hope mine catch on sooner than that!