brad0053 Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 It's is only my 1st day with the chickens, so I am not panicking or anything. Dusk has been and gone and I kind of expected then to go into their coop. They haven't and are huddled up and look like they are settling down for the night at the end of the run, in the corner. They are safe in the run, so as I have said I am not panicking or anything. My question is this.....will they work it out for themselves and retire to the coop when they are good and ready or should I be persuading them in some way. Hope this all makes sense. Brad Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sam Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 If you can't get into your run, I'd poke them in gently with a broom stick... but maybe that's just me Ideally, if you can get in the run I'd pop them into the coop for the first few nights, just to get them used it. Then they can decide what they prefer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohcarolina Posted October 6, 2011 Share Posted October 6, 2011 The torch in the Eglu worked for me - eventually Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad0053 Posted October 6, 2011 Author Share Posted October 6, 2011 Thanks to both of you. I will be armed with a strategy tomorrow night if they decide to sleep al fresco again. Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hinterglem Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 I had the same problem - the first night I caught them and put them in the coop. They weren't impressed. The second night I tried using a torch. They ignored it, so I had to catch them again. The third night I bribed them up the ramp with food then gave them a little nudge, which was a LOT easier! The fourth night they put themselves to bed without any assistance and have done so every night since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad0053 Posted October 7, 2011 Author Share Posted October 7, 2011 Thanks again for the advice. They are now nicely tucked up for the night. I employed a two strategy approach in the end. 1. Wind up lantern (stays on for 5 mins max) in the coop And 2. A couple of well placed grapes Yaaaaaay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ohcarolina Posted October 7, 2011 Share Posted October 7, 2011 Well done - its such a relief isn't it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
