Poorly chicken

[HinckleyHog]

I am a new cube owner and I purchase some year old hens to live in it.

They don’t go into the coop when it gets dark.

Reading online I see tips on just leaving them shut in the coop for a few days, but I don’t see that as viable because the food and water are not kept in the coop.  Are there any other ways to encourage them to go into the coop on their own?

[TinaW]

I would like to know also as I have a new flock, and they won't go in the coop, I have to put them in and shut the door quickly as they try to get out.  Previously my old girls used to show the new ones the way.

[Cat tails]

Definitely don’t leave your hens in the coop for days. That will be very stressful for them.

You can try putting a torch in the coop at night to give them a light to see their way in. Chickens are practically night blind.

Normally they will get the hint after a few days being lifted in. 

[2iceblest]

Same issue.  I’m tired of strapping on knee pads and crawling through poop to get the 5-week-old girls inside and it’s only been a couple of days!

I wish the run was taller!!  I thought it was when my hubs ordered it.  I have a bad back.  This short run isn’t going to work for me.

How do we check our chickens for mites and such if we have to be a pretzel to get inside?!?

And, no, I don’t have a mentor.  Tried to contact two and they never responded.

[Cat tails]

5 week olds are a bit small and young to be housed in a Cube already. I don’t know who sold you the chicks, but they should have provided a bit more advise there.