Why won't my chickens use their roost?

[Elite Silkies]

I recently bought a flock of 13 week old Australorps (One is 15 weeks old)

The only one that will use the roost and the coop is the 15 week old hen.

The rest of the flock sleeps outside on some rocks.

One of the Roo's went into the coop tonight and checked out the roost, but he didn't stay.

How can I get them to stay in the coop at night and use the roost.


Or should I just let them sleep where they want to?

Thanks for all your help. Cammy

 

[Kung Foo Chicken]

Go out at night and move them to the coop and every night until they start going to the coop. They just do not know it is supposed to be home yet.

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Thass right!
An alternative would be to feed them some grain in their coop litter, just before dusk. Get a few in there scratching for it and making a commotion, and the rest will follow. Once inside, close the door and shut them up for the night.

 

[007Dawn]

In order to get mine up I did just what the above poster said. I put some feed in before their bed time. I did it while they were watching and made sure they knew what I was laying down.

The second group we got of our girls were raised in a small wire box, by the time we got them they couldn't stand up straight. So for a while they wanted to go back to it but it only took about two-three times of doing the above to let them know that was no longer home!

I also use a red scoupe that they reconginze. So when I get it out they all get excited and run to the coupe because they know what is coming. They know the socupe.

Have a grand morning. Not awake yet so I'm sure there are a hundred mishapes in my typing. Need mroe coffee.

 

[Elite Silkies]

Thank you guys for all of your help. I will try all the suggestions. Ya'll have a wonderful day.

Cammy