Won't sleep in coop

[rstampa]

I built a new coop last week but my chickens won't sleep in it. I've tried everything I could think of to get them to go in at night. I put their food and water in the coop and they go in to eat but when it's time to sleep they roost out in the run. I evey but at light in there. And tryed without the light. And still no go. If I go into the run to try and close the coop while they are eating, they all come out before I can get to the coop door.
I've been trying for over a week now. They are 13 weeks old so their not laying yet.
Any suggestions would be be greatful. Chasing them around to catch them and putting them in for the night it not an option for me. I just won't do that.

 

[Countrywife]

I have some I am trying to take out of the barn now and put in the coop. Every night I have to carry them from the barn and lock them in the coop. They will get used to it eventually.

 

[feathersnuggles]

Is there a roost in your new coop - and is it positioned a little higher than the run's roost? If not, you might want to lower the run's roost.

Also, don't chase them. If you want to move them, you can more easily do that once it's dusk and they can't see as well. Pick them up and put them on the coop's roost. They should stay, as long as its dark. Eventually they'll get the idea. Good luck!

 

[clucky2]

I wonder why they all run out of the coop and into the run when you go in there. Is it possible they are expecting treats? Maybe try bringing them some special treats while saying, "chick!,chick!,chick!" This may lure them back in, at which time you can shut the coop door,and say good night. It took mine some forcing and quick door slamming for them to get the idea this was thier night place. But it was only about 3 nights or so of this routine, and then they were comfortable with knowing what to do. It'll happen and you'll be proud of them!
Let us know how it goes.

 

[tallieb]

I am having the same issue with my chickens not wanting to sleep in the coop. When it gets colder I am going to take they favorite roosting material and put it in the coop to see if that would do the trick.

 

[phil a]

I'm having the same issue. My chickens are about 11 weeks old and they will not sleep in the coop. They won't even sleep on the perches in the run. They sleep on the ground in a big pile. I've heard you can lock them in the coop for 4-5 days to get them used to sleeping in coop. Does this work?

 

[DreamsInPink]

Gosh, my first group has been in the coop for about 2 weeks. I was hoping to get them in the run this weekend, but we just had so much going on it didn't happen. I'm really anxious to get them out in the run, but hearing stories like this, I'm kind of leery. lol I don't really want to have to do a roundup each evening. xD

 

[phil a]

To DreamsInPink,
My first flock went straight from the brooder to the coop. I kept them in the coop for about 4 days. Now they put themselves up every night. You should not have a problem.

 

[DreamsInPink]

Thank you for the encouragement!! I hope mine are as well behaved! lol