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LingaB said:
I think my chickens are dumb!

They are almost 7 weeks old(Sunday) and we put them in a grow out pen about a week ago when we have to go to NJ to deal with our rental property there.

Anyway,  every night since we have been home(Monday) I have had to go out there and lock them in.  They huddle in a corner of the run. I know they know where the coop is because they go in it throughout the day and when a hawk flies over.  Yet when it gets dark they just huddle outside. 
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They aren't *preparing* themselves for the dark.

Chickens are completely blind in the dark. So if they don't make it in at dusk, they literally can not find their way back in to the coop. They eventually get cornered, and then call out to others. Others then follow the noise and join them, and they make one giant sleeping pile of down and feathers.

Try going out as it starts to get dim, and herd them in to the coop. They need to learn WHEN to go in, so they aren't caught by surprise by darkness. Also, turn off all outdoor lights that may shine on the coop, so they go only by the slow-dimming sunlight. Make sure those lights are off before and as the sun goes down.

After a few days of herding them in at dusk, they should get the idea.
 
Is there still any light source in your coop? If not is give that a try. That way, as it gets dark outside they'll be drawn to that light.
 
i can't seem to get pics to load from my iphone. I finally loaded them all onto my computer. Here is our growout pen for our 16 chickens.

It's an old Dog house that was on the property when we bought it. We cut a hole in the side for an access door and made a pallet run(5 pallets and a homemade gate). There is 1/2" hardware cloth around the sides and chicken wire on top. :) Not bad for a days work. Hopefully we can get the big coop done before they start laying. haha









 
they do not have any light outside or in the coop. We are way out in the country and there is no artificial light out here. I will try going out there at dusk for a week or so and hopefully they get the hint. I've been going out there when it is already dark and have to pick each one up and put them in the coop, then they try and jump out. Stupid chickens. haha
 
LingaB said:
they do not have any light outside or in the coop. We are way out in the country and there is no artificial light out here. I will try going out there at dusk for a week or so and hopefully they get the hint. I've been going out there when it is already dark and have to pick each one up and put them in the coop, then they try and jump out. Stupid chickens. haha
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What about using a battery type lantern inside the coop for a few days so they can find their way in?
 

You might not like my opinion, but these reasons are why I raise chickens. I'd rather eat eggs that come from happy and healthy birds. Guilt free eggs. I've been a vegetarian for about 15 years. At this point, I could see myself eating my chickens because I know them. It just seems like the way things should be. Although I've never really liked PETA, they are usually right about what they portray as truth. Big business do everything to save their bottom line. That's what it all comes down to. It's really sad actually...for animals and customers.
 
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