Won't go in the new coop, please help???

[kpborkowski]

A few weeks ago my husband finished off our new chook pen for the girls - YEAH

Previously around 5.30pm they would put themselves to bed no worries and we would lock them up for the night, however now only 1 out of the 4 girls will go in the new pen by herself. The other three perch themselves on the verandah chairs and have to be caught and put away for the night.

Also they are still laying in the old nesting box on the verandah rather than the new pen, except for good old Rosie who is the only one who seems to know what she is doing.

Please help, what should I do?

 

[simba49450]

mine are stubborn too you are going to have to phyically put them in there or coax them in there to show them. silly birdies

 

[jjthink]

Bedtime snack

Available only in the destination you choose. At first show it to them, given them a tiny taste, then have them follow you to get the rest. Eventually they will get with the program

JJ

 

[willheveland]

I think the bedtime snack thing may work.You could also leave them in their new coop for a week or so without letting them out,they should then go back in at night. Will

 

[chickenfever]

Quote:
I agree, this is what worked for me( I didn't do it for a whole week though). Also maybe try removing the verandah chairs and old nesting boxes for a time so they don't have that option.

 

[scooter147]

I would leave them locked in the new coop for a couple days that should work.

Earlier this year I had a huge limb fall during a storm and literally cut my coop in half, fortunately, no casualties as it happened at night and the branch missed the part of the coop with the roosts.

Anyway, I had to clean out the tool shed as a temp. coop until I got the insurance money and got the new coop built.

I had the same problem with 35 chickens, they roosted on the top of the old coop and some still managed to get in the old coop and roost. With more coons and opposums around here than you can count I had to physically catch them and force them in the tool shed.

I finally left them in the tool shed for a couple days and for the most part solved the problem I only had a couple of resisters. Fortunately once the new coop was built (in the same spot) the took to it no problem

 

[chickiebaby]

Generally they do need a couple of days in a l=nw location to get with the program. If there's a run aroudn the coop just keep em in it for three days or so. They'll go in to the lighted coop as night falls. If that fails you do "here chicky chicky" in the classic manner, with the scattering of scanty amts of a fave treat as you lead them in. Think of the witch and her gingerbread candy house in Hansel and Gretl. Heh-heh.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the previous posts. A little bedtime treat, their favorite, in the coop, and maybe keeping them in for a couple of days or so. Hopefully they will get with the program. I gave mine treats and put golf balls in their new nest boxes. They figured it out after a couple of days.

 

[Emzyyy]

I would just lock em up in the coop for a week or so then they learn thats where they sleep.

 

[hinkjc]

I agree with the lock down approach. It is always good to have them trained to respond to snacks as well tho.

Chickens have a hard time making adjustments. It is best to keep them in the new coop for a week or two so they get comfortable with it. That should resolve your problem.

I do the snack trick (into the coop) when I have an urgent issue and I have to leave suddenly or if I see a predator and know I need to get them in quickly. Works every time (if you use it sparingly).

Jody