How to train chickens to go into their coop???

[Lorraine Forster]

I have a small flock of 5 1/2 week old Bantams (Mille Fleurs D'Uccle). I lucked out and ended up with 1 rooster and 4 hens. So I have been introducing them to their new outdoor life the last few days. I have been picking them up from the run and putting them in their coop in the evening. They show no interest in going into the coop for the night even though they will willingly walk up the ramp and go in there just to hang out in the middle of the day.
This evening when I went out to put them to bed they were already snuggled down in a corner on the ground sound asleep. So I picked up them up and put them in the coop again. I am hoping someone has some creative chicken training ideas.

 

[Laura_BelgianBantams_63]

I LOVE Mille Fleurs D'Uccle. Its my main breed!!! I taught my girls by locking them in their coop for a few days (2-3). After that they always went in at night time. They eventually learn its a safe place, and go in there.

Good luck!

 

[Floof]

I used to feed them in the coop right before bed time. I still had to toss them in there for a few days until they figured it out but once they realized that the coop meant food, they would be in there squeaking in the evening when I was late to the show. I would free range them during the day which meant the only time I fed them was right in the morning before work and then right before bedtime and being locked back in. There were bugs and plants and things for them to eat during the day but they always acted ravenous in the evenings.

 

[NuggetTheChicken]

When my chickens were first introduced to the coop, I had to put them in by picking them up for about a week. After that they got it, and now go in the coop by themselves. It helps to have a light in the coop, so they are led to the coop. Also put them in a few minutes before it gets dark

 

[GC-Raptor]

A nightlight in the coop may help.
Turn off when you lockup the coop. . GC

 

[Lorraine Forster]

Thanks for all the good ideas everyone! Tonight around 6 pm they were all up in the coop. So I quietly shut the door. Let's hope they do it again tomorrow!

 

[AngieDawn]

Mine must be gifted and talented. They went in on their own before they were 5 weeks. But I did have to put them in for a few nights.