Clara Hennington is a seasoned poultry farmer with over 20 years of experience in raising and breeding various types of chickens. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experiences with others who are interested in poultry farming. Clara is known for her practical and hands-on approach to chicken care.
Getting your chickens into their coop can seem like a daunting task, especially if you're new to raising backyard chickens. But don't worry, I'm here to guide you through the process. The key is understanding chicken behavior and using it to your advantage.
Let's Decode π Chicken Behavior Together
Chickens are creatures of habit. They naturally return to their coop at dusk to roost and sleep. If you're just starting, you might need to guide them into the coop for the first few days until they get used to it. A simple way to do this is by using treats to lure them in. More on feeding chickens later.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Herding Chickens π into the Coop
Start by getting your chickens' attention with some treats. I recommend mealworms, a favorite among many chicken breeds. Once you have their attention, slowly lead them towards the coop, tossing a few treats in that direction. Be patient, it might take a few tries.
Start by getting your chickens' attention with some treats. I recommend mealworms, a favorite among many chicken breeds. Once you have their attention, slowly lead them towards the coop, tossing a few treats in that direction. Be patient, it might take a few tries.
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Once they're inside, make sure the coop is secure and comfortable. Check out my guide on chicken care for tips on setting up a safe and cozy coop.
Once they're inside, make sure the coop is secure and comfortable. Check out my guide on chicken care for tips on setting up a chicken-friendly coop.
Consistency is Key π: Training Your Chickens to Return Home
Consistency is key when training your chickens. Repeat the process of guiding them into the coop at the same time each evening. Over time, they will learn this routine and start returning to the coop on their own.
Raising Chickens: Getting them into the Coop
Test your knowledge on the process of getting chickens into their coop and training them to return on their own.
Learn more about π Raising Chickens: Getting them into the Coop or discover other Expert Chicken quizzes.
Feeding Time! π½οΈ What's on the Menu for Your Baby Chicks?
Chicks require special feed to support their growth. Starter feed is the best choice for the first 6 weeks. After that, you can switch to grower feed. Here's a comprehensive guide on raising chicks.
Essential Tools for Guiding Chickens into the Coop
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Our Recommendation Manna Pro Chick Starter Grower - Medicated Chick Feed Crumble for Young Chickens - Formulated with Amprolium to Prevent Coccidiosis - 15 lbs
$7.49 
Our Recommendation Manna Pro Chick Starter Food β Non-Medicated Chick Feed β Chick Supplies β Duck Food 5 Pounds
$7.99
Our Recommendation Scratch and Peck Feeds Organic Starter Mash Chick Feed - 10-lbs - 20.5% Protein, Non-GMO Project Verified, Naturally Free Chick Food
$29.99
Remember, patience and understanding are key when dealing with chickens. With time, you'll become an expert at getting them into their coop. Happy chicken raising!
As we've mentioned, chickens naturally return to their coop at dusk. Here's a real-life example of this.
As you can see, Clara's chickens are returning to their coop as the sun sets, demonstrating the natural instinct of chickens to roost at dusk. This is a behavior you can leverage when training your chickens.
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