How to Get Chickens to Go into the Coop at Night? – Homestead Gardener

• Cleanliness and Dry Bedding: Chickens have a strong sense of smell and will avoid a coop that’s dirty, wet, or filled with ammonia odor. Keep bedding clean and dry. Use pine shavings or straw, and spot-clean droppings regularly.
• Ventilation Without Drafts: Proper airflow is important to prevent respiratory issues, but strong drafts near roosting areas can make hens avoid the coop. Use screened vents up high to allow warm air to escape while keeping the lower area cozy.
• Cozy Roosting Bars: Chickens naturally prefer to roost off the ground. Provide roosts made of rounded 2x4s with the wide side up, which allows them to tuck their feet under on cold nights. Roosts should be placed higher than nesting boxes so chickens don’t sleep in the nests.
• Darkness and Quiet: Loud noises, sudden movements, or excessive light can make the coop feel unsafe. Keep the area calm and peaceful, especially at dusk.

Also Read: Why Is My Chicken Limping and Laying Down?

2. Use Food to Create a Nighttime Routine

Food is one of the easiest ways to get chickens into a habit—and that includes bedtime.

• Evening Treats Work Wonders: About 30–60 minutes before sunset, toss some scratch grains, mealworms, or black oil sunflower seeds into the coop. Chickens will begin associating the coop with a pleasant reward.
• Feed Inside Only: Keep the primary feeder and waterer inside the coop, not out in the run or yard. This way, chickens will return to the coop for their main food source and begin to settle in.
• Use a Specific Call or Sound: Make the same clucking noise, shake a container of treats, or use a bell when offering evening food. Chickens are smart enough to associate a sound with feeding time, helping you guide them indoors.

3. Train Young or New Chickens

Chicks raised indoors or new hens added to a flock may not know that the coop is where they should sleep.

• Lock Them in for a Few Days: For new or young chickens, keep them inside the coop for 3–5 days, preferably with access to a small run if attached. This allows them to recognize the coop as their safe roosting space.
• Guide Them in Gently at Dusk: If they resist, wait until near-dark and gently herd or pick them up and place them on the roosting bar inside. It may take several nights, but eventually they’ll get into the habit.
• Be Calm and Patient: Avoid chasing or scaring them—it only builds anxiety. Instead, walk slowly and herd them calmly using a long stick or your arms outstretched to guide them gently in the right direction.

4. Use Light Strategically to Lure Them In

Chickens follow the light, and you can use that instinct to your advantage.

• Keep the Coop Light On Just Before Dusk: If your coop is dark and the surrounding area is well-lit, chickens may not feel safe entering. Try adding a low-watt bulb or solar light in the coop, turning it on 30 minutes before sunset.
• Turn Off Outdoor Lights: Darken the run or yard while leaving the coop lightly lit, drawing them toward the safer, brighter space.
• Set a Timer or Use a Solar Light: If you can’t manually control the lighting daily, install a solar-powered coop light with a dusk timer to help set the routine consistently.

5. Identify and Fix Anything That’s Scaring Them Off

If chickens used to go in and suddenly stop, investigate what may be causing them fear or discomfort.

• Predators or Scary Experiences: A close predator encounter—like a raccoon, fox, or owl—can leave chickens scared of the coop. Check for broken boards, scratch marks, or open gaps. Reinforce the coop, and consider using motion-activated lights or predator-proof latches.
• Rodents or Pests: Rats, snakes, or mites inside the coop can drive chickens away. Regularly inspect bedding, roosts, and corners for signs of droppings, burrows, or tiny bugs. Clean thoroughly and use poultry-safe mite treatments if needed.
• Overcrowding: Chickens need space to roost without being squished or bullied. Ideally, allow 3–4 square feet per bird inside the coop and 8–10 square feet per bird in the run.

Also Read: How to Introduce New Chickens to a Flock?

6. Create a Consistent Night time Routine

Chickens thrive on habit. Once they learn a routine, they tend to stick with it—so long as nothing disrupts their sense of safety.

• Put Them to Bed at the Same Time: Try to herd or close them in at the same time every evening. Chickens naturally begin winding down at dusk, so be ready before it gets completely dark.
• Use a Coop Door Closer: Consider installing an automatic coop door that opens and closes on a timer or light sensor. This helps maintain a consistent routine, especially when you’re away or busy.
• Observe and Adjust: Some chickens may take longer to learn than others. Watch your flock’s behavior, and adjust your approach if needed. Consistency and calmness go a long way.

Check this: How to Clip Flight Feathers on Chickens?

Conclusion

Getting chickens to go into the coop at night isn’t about force—it’s about understanding their instincts, creating a safe and pleasant environment, and guiding them with gentle consistency.

Whether you’re training young chicks, integrating new hens, or addressing a sudden refusal to roost, the keys are comfort, routine, and trust.

With the right setup and approach, you’ll soon find your flock heading in all on their own at dusk—no chasing, coaxing, or frustration needed.

Once the habit is built, it’s one less thing to worry about in your chicken-keeping routine. A calm, well-trained flock is a happy and safe one—and a secure coop is where that all begins.

Khaja Moinuddin, a computer science graduate, finds joy in gardening and homesteading. Join him on this blog as he shares his experiences in homesteading, gardening, and composting