Getting chickens to take themselves to bed.

[ZuzuandZara]

We've just added 6 rescue birds to our existing 2. We have a nice coop, plenty big enough with 3 perches to roost and plenty of floor space. Our 2 old birds and 2 of the new birds take themselves to bed every night but 3 or 4 of the new birds roost on perches we've put in their run. Every night we go and put them away. They are safe in the run (touch wood, completely fox proof) but I don't like the idea of them being scared by the gazillions of foxes hanging around, getting cold etc.

We've had them about a month now and I'm getting cross with them! We've had this before but they normally get the hang of it after a few nights. Any ideas?

I have 7 chickens and 5 of them roost outside in the run at night in this warm(ish) weather. I wouldn't worry. They will go in when it gets colder or if it is wet. If it bothers you put them in the coop yourself after they have settled on the perch.

Thanks Migsy1. Thats what my husband says. Ok maybe I'll stop fretting and leave them. Their perch is in the covered part of the run so at least I know they'll stay dry. I do put them away after they roost on the perch, last night it was 5 of them!

Hi
we had the same problem - try putting a torch inside the coop before dusk - they follow the light and put themselves to bed. Just tuck it in a corner so its lighting the coop but not dazzling them
Took 3 nights but all 10 of mine were putting themselves to be after that - hope it works for you...

Shut them in for two or three days, without letting them out. It 'homes' them and makes them realise that that is their base, and that they should return there.