One of the first things you will want to do when you move your chicks out of the brooder and into their coop is to train them how to go into their coop at night. This is imperative to keep them safe. I would not let them free range until they have learned to do this. I had a friend who totally skipped this step and all of his chickens roosted in the trees at night and he eventually lost his whole flock to predators. It can be a little tough for a few days. However, with a little patience and consistent training, you can quickly teach your feathered friends to head indoors on their own as dusk falls. Here’s how:
- Establish Routine: Chickens thrive on routine. Start by temporarily feeding them inside the coop each evening. Eventually, they’ll associate the coop with food and safety, making it easier to encourage them to go inside voluntarily.
- Gradual Encouragement: Begin by gently guiding your chickens toward the coop entrance as night approaches. Use treats such as mealworms to lure them inside. Repeat this process daily until they start entering the coop willingly.
- Use Light: Chickens are naturally drawn to light. You can temporarily install a small light inside the coop to make it more inviting after sunset. This will encourage them to seek shelter inside as darkness falls. See link below for inexpensive LED lights.
- Create an Attractive Environment: Ensure the coop is clean, comfortable, and adequately sized for your flock. Add perches and nesting boxes to make it more appealing for them to roost indoors.
- Be Patient: Training chickens takes time and patience. Don’t expect immediate results. Consistency is key. Stick to the routine, and eventually, your chickens will learn to go into the coop on their own.
- Positive Reinforcement: Reward your chickens with treats or praise when they voluntarily enter the coop. Positive reinforcement will reinforce the desired behavior and make them more likely to repeat it in the future.
- Monitor Progress: Keep an eye on your chickens’ behavior each evening. Observe whether they’re entering the coop on their own or if they need encouragement. Adjust your training methods as needed. If all else fails, you can just pick them up and gently put them in the coop. After a couple of nights, they will get the idea.
- Be Mindful of Predators: Ensure the coop is secure to protect your chickens from predators. Train them to go inside well before darkness falls to minimize the risk of nocturnal predators.
- If All Else Fails: If it’s dark out and they are still not going into the coop you can just pick them up and put them into the coop. They have a hard time seeing in the dark so it will be easier to catch them. After a couple of days, they will take the hint and go in by themselves.
By following these steps and remaining consistent, you can train your chickens to go into the coop by themselves at night. Not only will this save you time and effort, but it will also ensure the safety and well-being of your feathered friends. Happy training!
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