How long before they learn to go to bed at night???

ScottBarton · « **on:** January 20, 2009, 20:36 »

3 nights running now the hens stay huddled up at the back of the run rather than up the ladder to the nice cosy hen house.

How long does it take for them to learn that that is the bedroom!
:roll:

Vember · « **Reply #1 on:** January 20, 2009, 20:39 »

Might take them a week :? or two :?

When you got them did you put them in the house straight away and leave them there for a bit or let them straight out in the run?

Sarah

Molly Hen · « **Reply #2 on:** January 20, 2009, 20:43 »

When I got my hens, I was told to keep them shut up in the coup for a couple of days. Didn't believe it at first but they knew straight away that that is where the bedroom was once it got dark and where to lay their eggs.

Seemed a bit mean at first but glad I did it. They are all in bed with the auto door shut when I get home now (well apart from last night when one was out partying and got locked out :oops: )

Vember · « **Reply #3 on:** January 20, 2009, 20:45 »

That's the best way to do it MH I have done it that way with any "newbies" I've had and it works a treat

But if it wasn't done that way it could take them a bit longer

sarah

ScottBarton · « **Reply #4 on:** January 20, 2009, 21:01 »

Well i got them Saturday morning and kept them in the coop until Sunday early afternoon....hmmm...maybe i should of left them in a bit longer... :?

babe · « **Reply #5 on:** January 20, 2009, 21:39 »

are you tucking them in with hot chocolate (with marshmellows) and reading them a bed time story.

if not then im not surprised they are playing up

ScottBarton · « **Reply #6 on:** January 20, 2009, 21:48 »

So that is where i am going wrong!

I will persevere...i am sure they will get the hang of it eventually. I have been putting a little corn in the coop so they know that a little titbit is on offer at bed time! Bless em!

ScottBarton · « **Reply #7 on:** January 22, 2009, 20:39 »

I am so proud of my girls!!!!!!
Got home tonight, slightly later than usual around 1900hrs, and went out into the garden to put them to bed fully expecting them to be still in the run...and all 3 were in the nestbox already!!!!
Woohoo! First hurdle overcome!

Molly Hen · « **Reply #8 on:** January 22, 2009, 20:42 »

Hurray, they got there in the end, bless them.
Have they laid any eggs for you yet? If you are proud of them now, you wait until you get the first egg. You won't know who left it at first, so you will be praising them all for being good girls.......... sounds mad, but trust me, its true

ScottBarton · « **Reply #9 on:** January 22, 2009, 21:40 »

Nope, no eggs just yet. Every time i peer into the nest box i have my fingers crossed...but nothing yet.

trinacooke · « **Reply #10 on:** January 22, 2009, 21:56 »

Hi Not saying that I know very much about chickens as I am new to it all as well! but what I have picked up on is that their wattles and combs have to be matured ie red and fairly large (depending on the breed of cause) before they lay around 22-24 weeks I understand again depending on breed - my 3 Hybred chickens which are 2 Black Rocks and a Bluebell have just come into lay and I am getting an egg or two a day at the moment but my 'Funny' chicken who I have not got a clue what breed she is 'Sage' has hardly any wattle or comb and is not laying she is around 30 weeks ? :shock: so it is just a waiting game

All the best Trina

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How long before they learn to go to bed at night???

Vember

Vember