There must be a better way...?

[Bestseller]

Long story, but we are looking after some chickens for a few days. We've been asked to shut them up at night, change their food and water and let them out in the morning.

I was told that they'd put themselves to bed once the sun went down and I'd just have to shut the door. 9:30 last night they were still out and about.

They have an "Omlet" coop, with a small run attached .i.e. I can't get inside to catch the birds and physically move them to the house part. I have resorted to sending a small child in through the small door to shepherd them inside. But really how should it be done?

They really will go to bed by themselves. You must be doing it too early. Wait till it's getting really quite dusky/dark.

so were mine out and about until almost 10. you went out too early they were still wide awake and probably a bit interested in you. sending in a small child is not the way. just wait until its a bit later.

I agree I have an alarm on my phone to remind me to put them away as we've only and them a couple of weeks and I still need reminding !!
Sometimes my fab 4 take themselves off to bed( eglu) by 9.30pm and a few times I've had to go into the walk in run and lead them the way ..

If you're desperate to put them in early, throw some corn into the run, they will zoom in to scratch about. But yes, bed time is later in summer. Have fun!

they will go to bed, promise.
leave it a bit later.
as long as they are in a secure run they will be fine.

They will put themselves to bed when its dark enough - unless they are stupid and sit on top of the henhouse.

But if your doing your neighbour a favour, then you probably don't want to be going out several times to check on them in which case 'shoo-ing them' indoors is fine.