[davelambo]

Does anyone know how to get my chooks to roost inside?
I have 2 hens and a rooster that insist on roosting on top of the coop.
I`ve tried locking them in for a few days but once let back out they return to roosting outside.
Locking them in every night isnt an option as it would involve chasing them round the run all night.
Any ideas??

[kegs]

Here are a couple of old threads that might help.

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=82045.0

http://chat.allotment-garden.org/index.php?topic=72773.0

Good luck.

[Casey76]

How long have you had them?  Sometimes it takes a few days before they learn where "bed" is.

It should be easy enough to go out and pick them up once they have settled for the night.

You can try hanging a torch inside the coop to attract them in at dusk - this often works.

One thing to check, though, it to make sure you have no unwanted visitors in the coop (especially red mite - though red mite is usually not so much of a problem at this time of year).

Good luck

[Sassy]

I agree with Casey. You can also train them to go in using treats. Do check for red mite first having had a mild winter until recently there have been cases. Even if the cold weather now kills them off your chooks won't know this!

[ANHBUC]

Has your coop got enough ventilation, mine have a race to be nearest to the air vent. 

[davelambo]

Thanks for the advice guys..
Only had them for about a month and the coop is new so no red mite problem.
I tried picking them up and putting them in the coop after dark but they went beserk
Dont want to stress them too much at this early stage so i think i will just have to leave them to get on with it and see if they start going in on their own.
The rest of the birds happily roost inside no bother so dont think its to do with draughts.

[ANHBUC]

Not draughts, they might find it too stuffy.  Mine like being near the air vent and I leave the pop hole open which they also like.

It might just be that they are used to roosting outside.  As long as they are safe from predators you don't need to worry.  Some members hens roost outdoors no matter what the weather.