Teaching Chickens to Use their Coop: Tips and Tricks for New Owners.

As a new chicken owner, I have been learning a lot about these amazing creatures. From raising them as chicks to building their coop, it has been an adventure. Today, we transferred our chicks into their coop/run, but they haven’t found their way inside. It’s getting dark, and they’re just hunkering down under the crawl space under the coop. I’m wondering if I should try to get them inside, or if I should let them be.

The Importance of a Cozy Coop

Before we dive into the dilemma of getting our chicks inside their coop, let’s talk about why a good coop is essential for chickens. A comfortable and safe coop is not just a place for them to sleep at night, but it also provides protection from predators and the elements. A well-built coop will keep your chickens warm in the winter and cool in the summer, which is vital for their health and well-being.

When we built our coop, we made sure it was the right size for our chickens, with proper ventilation and insulation. We also added roosting bars, nesting boxes, and a ramp for easy access. We wanted our chickens to feel safe and cozy in their new home.

Chickens’ Natural Instincts

Chickens have natural instincts that guide their behavior, including finding a safe place to roost at night. When they are raised from chicks, it is essential to teach them where their coop is, so they can find their way back inside at night. However, sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and the chicks may not find their way back to the coop.

In our case, it’s getting dark, and our chicks haven’t found their way inside. They are under the crawl space, which is a safe place for them to hide. However, they won’t be protected from the elements or predators, and we want them to be safe.

Getting the Chicks Inside the Coop

So, what should we do? Should we leave them under the crawl space, or should we try to get them inside? As a new chicken owner, I’m not sure what the best course of action is. After doing some research and consulting with other chicken owners, I decided to try to get them inside.

First, I turned on the light inside the coop to make it more visible to the chicks. I then gently tried to coax them out from under the crawl space and guide them toward the coop. It took some time and patience, but eventually, they started to follow me.

Once they were close to the coop, I picked them up and placed them inside. I made sure they had access to food and water and closed the coop door for the night.

Lessons Learned

Through this experience, I learned a lot about chicken behavior and how to get them inside the coop. Here are some tips that I found helpful:

1. Start Early: It’s essential to teach your chicks where their coop is from an early age. Show them where to go at night and make sure they are comfortable inside.
2. Use Light: If your chicks are having trouble finding their way inside, turn on a light inside the coop to make it more visible.
3. Be Patient: Chickens can be skittish, so be patient and gentle when guiding them towards the coop.
4. Be Prepared: Always be prepared to handle unexpected situations. Have a plan in place for getting your chicks inside if they can’t find their way on their own.

Teaching Chickens to Use Their Coop

One of the essential things you can do as a chicken owner is to teach your chickens to use their coop. Chickens have a natural instinct to roost at night, but they also need to learn where their coop is and how to get inside. Here are some additional tips that can help you teach your chickens to use their coop:

1. Create a Routine: Establish a routine where you let your chickens out in the morning and lock them up at night. Chickens thrive on routine and will quickly learn to go to their coop at night if it’s part of their daily routine.
2. Use Treats: Use treats to lure your chickens inside the coop. Place some treats inside the coop to encourage them to go inside. Once they are inside, close the door for a few minutes so they can get used to their surroundings.
3. Keep the Coop Clean: Chickens are more likely to use their coop if it’s clean and comfortable. Regularly clean the coop and make sure it’s free of debris and pests.
4. Provide Proper Lighting: Chickens need proper lighting to see at night. Make sure there is a light source inside the coop to guide them inside.
5. Show Them the Way: If your chickens are having trouble finding their way inside, show them where the coop is. Gently guide them toward the coop, and they will eventually learn to go there on their own.

Conclusion

In conclusion, teaching your chickens to use their coop is an important part of raising them. A good coop provides safety, comfort, and protection from the elements and predators. By establishing a routine, using treats, keeping the coop clean, providing proper lighting, and showing them the way, you can teach your chickens to use their coop and keep them safe at night.

As for my chicks, they eventually learned to go inside their coop on their own after a few days of guidance. It was a learning experience for me, and I’m glad that I was able to teach them how to use their new home. As a new chicken owner, there is always something new to learn, but with patience and perseverance, you can raise happy and healthy chickens.