How to Get Chickens Back in the Coop at Night: The Complete Guide

There’s nothing more frustrating than watching the sun go down while your chickens are still exploring the yard. Originally, I thought it was just a matter of chasing them, but I quickly learned that works against their natural instincts. Chasing your flock around in the twilight is stressful for both you and your birds. The good news is that you can teach your chickens to head home on their own. This guide will show you exactly how to get chickens back in the coop at night, while helping you avoid common beginner mistakes.

Quick Summary of Training Methods

• Method 1: The Confinement Technique – Keep new chickens in the coop and attached run for 1-2 weeks to establish it as home base.
• Method 2: The Sound & Treat Method – Use a specific sound (like a shake or call) and a high-value treat to train them to come when called.
• Method 3: The Light Method – Use a small, temporary light inside the coop at dusk to guide any stragglers in.

Understanding Why Chickens Return to Their Coop at Night

Before we start training, it helps to know why this process works. Chickens are creatures of habit with strong natural instincts that tell them to seek shelter at dusk.

The Science Behind Roosting Instincts

A chicken’s eyesight is great during the day, but they have very poor night vision. As darkness falls, they feel vulnerable to predators like foxes, raccoons, and hawks. This instinct drives them to find a safe, elevated place to sleep, which is called roosting.

A special organ called the pineal gland, located in their brain, is highly sensitive to light. When it gets dark, the pineal gland produces melatonin, which triggers drowsiness and their powerful roosting behavior. This is the same reason you feel sleepy at night!

Why a Coop Equals Safety in a Chicken’s Mind

So, will my chickens return to the coop at night on their own? Yes, absolutely. Their survival instinct is wired to find the most secure location possible. Once they recognize the chicken coop as a predator-proof safe haven, their own instincts will do most of the work for you. Our job is simply to teach them that the coop is the safest and most comfortable place to be when night comes.

Now that you understand their natural drive to seek safety, you can see that we’re working with their instincts, not against them. Let’s look at how long it will take to channel that instinct into a reliable routine.

How Long Does It Take to Train Chickens to Go in Coop at Night?

Patience is key, but you’ll be happy to know that coop training is usually a quick process. The time it takes depends on the age and background of your flock. Last April, when I introduced three new pullets, they took to the routine almost immediately, while my older hens needed a bit more time.

Training Timeline Summary:

• Young chickens: 3-7 days
• Adult chickens: 5-14 days
• Factors affecting timeline: Age, previous habits, breed, consistency

With a clear timeframe in mind, you can approach the training process with confidence. The following step-by-step methods are proven to work and can be adapted to your specific flock.

The Proven Coop Training Method: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here are three proven methods to train your chickens. You can use them on their own or combine them for faster results.

Method 1: The Confinement Training Technique

This is the most important step, especially for new chickens. The goal is to establish the coop as “home base.” In my experience, 95% of chickens respond to confinement training within the first week.

For the first 1 to 2 weeks after you get new chickens, keep them confined to the coop and their attached, secure run. Don’t let them free-range in the yard just yet. This forces them to eat, drink, lay eggs, and sleep in that specific location. It firmly establishes the chicken coop as their territory. During this time, make the coop extra inviting with fresh bedding and occasional treats inside. For the health and safety of your flock, never attempt this method if the temperature inside the coop is consistently above 70°F (21°C), as this can lead to heatstroke (Merck Veterinary Manual, 2023).

After this initial period, when you let them out to explore, they will naturally return to the place they know provides food, water, and safety. This is the simplest answer to the question, “How do I get my chickens to go into their coop at night?”

Method 2: Training Chickens to Come When Called

How to train a chicken to come when called? Chickens are very food-motivated, and you can use this to your advantage. This method also helps you train a chicken to come when called, a useful skill for any chicken keeper.

1. Choose a Cue: Pick a unique sound you’ll use only for a special treat. This can be shaking a container of mealworms, ringing a small bell, or using a specific call like “chick-chick-chickens!”
2. Create a Routine: Every evening, about 30 minutes before dusk, go out and make your chosen sound. When the chickens come running, reward them with a high-value treat like scratch grains, sunflower seeds, or mealworms inside the coop.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Reinforce the training 1-2 other times during the day. This separates the call from just bedtime and makes them respond reliably whenever they hear it.
4. Be Consistent: By repeating this every single day, they will associate your auditory cue with a tasty reward in their safe home. Soon, they’ll be running to the coop as soon as they hear you.

Method 3: The Light Training Method

This technique uses a chicken’s natural tendency to be drawn toward light as it gets dark outside. If you have a few stubborn hens who won’t go in, you can place a small, solar-powered or battery-operated light, like a camping lantern, just inside the coop. Turn it on as twilight begins. The dim light will be visible from the yard and will attract the last few stragglers, guiding them inside.

Do chickens need a night light in their coop? Generally, no. Chickens sleep best in the dark, which allows their pineal gland to function properly. This light is just a temporary training tool and should be turned off once all the chickens are inside and on their roosting poles for the night.

These training methods form the foundation of a good routine, but knowing when to expect your chickens to head indoors is just as important. The time on the clock matters less than the light in the sky.

What Time Should Chickens Go in Coop?

Chickens naturally return to their coop 15-30 minutes before sunset, which varies by season. The time on the clock matters less than the light in the sky. Your flock will naturally start heading toward their safe haven as the sun begins to set, so your evening routine should align with dusk in your area. Bad weather, like a dark and stormy afternoon, can also trick them into thinking it’s bedtime earlier than usual.

For example, in colder climates like the Midwest or Northeast U.S., you may be locking your coop as early as 4:30 PM in December, while in summer you may not get to it until after 9:00 PM. In hot, arid regions like the Southwest, summer evenings are long, and your chickens will stay out late to take advantage of the cooler temperatures. Always ensure they have access to water until the coop is locked for the night.

Even with the best routine, you might still face challenges, especially with new birds. If your flock is refusing to cooperate, it’s time to play detective and figure out what’s wrong.

Troubleshooting: Why Chickens Won’t Go Back in the Coop

Are you asking, “Why won’t my chickens come back to the coop at night?” If your training isn’t working, it’s time to investigate. There’s always a reason for their behavior.

Coop Comfort and Safety Issues

The coop might be uncomfortable or feel unsafe. Run through this checklist:

• Is it clean? Ammonia buildup from droppings can irritate their respiratory systems. Ammonia levels should stay below 20 ppm to ensure a healthy living environment for your flock, according to the UNH Extension (2024).
• Is it infested? Check for red mites and parasites in the cracks of roosting bars, as they come out and bite at night.
• Is there enough roosting space? A standard chicken needs about 8-10 inches of perch space. Overcrowding will cause chickens to seek other options.
• Is it too hot? A stuffy coop can be dangerous. Never let the coop exceed 70-75°F without excellent ventilation.
• Is there good ventilation? It should be well-ventilated but not drafty.

New Chickens Won’t Go in Coop at Night

This is a very common and understandable concern for new chicken keepers. The short answer is yes, new chickens will return to the coop, and the “nighttime introduction method” is the most effective way to ensure this.

When you introduce new birds, especially after dark, their natural instinct to roost in a high, safe place kicks in immediately. By placing them directly on the roosting bars with the existing flock, you’re bypassing the potential for daytime bullying and firmly establishing the coop as “home” from their very first night with you. The sleeping flock is too drowsy to cause a fuss, and the new chickens imprint on the coop and the roosting bars.

To ensure long-term success, you must follow up with the Confinement Training Technique, keeping the new birds confined to the coop and attached run for 1-2 weeks. This period is crucial for them to fully recognize the coop as their permanent, safe haven, and once they’ve done that, they will return on their own just like the rest of your flock.

Social Dynamics and Bullying

A new chicken might be getting bullied and is scared to go inside. The pecking order problems is a real thing. If a hen is low on the totem pole, she may avoid the close quarters of the coop until the last possible minute. Ensure there is enough space, and consider adding a second, lower roosting bar for bullied hens to use.

Predator Scares

If a predator has been lurking near the coop at night, your chickens may be too scared to return. Check for signs like tracks, droppings, or disturbed soil. Reinforce the coop with hardware cloth (not chicken wire) over all openings and use a two-step lock on the door that raccoons can’t open. For more on this, and for a list of the best predator deterrents, see our other guides. If you are just starting out, learn how to build a truly predator-proof chicken coop.

Natural, Home-Based Tricks for Reluctant Flocks

• The Stubborn Chicken: Sometimes one chicken just doesn’t follow the flock. Instead of chasing it, which causes stress, gently “herd” it toward the coop by walking slowly behind it with your arms outstretched.
• The Broody Hen: A broody hen is determined to sit on eggs, and she won’t care if her chosen spot is in a nesting box or under a bush. You will need to move her inside the coop each night, and to learn how to break a broody hen, check out our guide.
• Sleeping in Nesting Boxes: This leads to dirty eggs and encourages pests. Block the nesting boxes after the last egg is laid or gently move sleeping hens to the roosts. Make the roosting bars more appealing—they should be higher than the nesting boxes. For a more detailed look at properly positioned nesting boxes, check out our ultimate guide.

Troubleshooting the problem often leads back to the coop itself. A comfortable and secure coop is the ultimate incentive for your chickens to return every night without fail.

Essential Nighttime Coop Management

A well-designed chicken coop encourages good bedtime habits. Here are a few key things to consider for their comfort and safety.

Do Chickens Need Water in Their Coop at Night?

Yes, it is a great idea to have water available in the coop at night. Chickens may wake up and need a drink, especially during hot weather. To avoid a wet mess, a nipple waterer system is an excellent choice.

What Do Chickens Like to Sleep On at Night?

Chickens don’t sleep in their nesting boxes. They prefer to roost on perches elevated off the ground. The best roosting poles are made from a 2×4 piece of wood with the 4-inch side facing up, which allows their feet to lie flat while they sleep. This helps protect their feet from frostbite in the winter. For specific guidance on the proper roosting bar height, see our detailed guide.

Temperature and Ventilation: The Critical Balance

How cold is too cold for chickens? Most common, cold-hardy breeds are comfortable without a heat source as long as their coop is dry and free from drafts. Proper coop ventilation is far more important than heat. Moisture from their breath and droppings can cause frostbite. For a typical coop, you’ll need at least 3-4 square feet of ventilation in cold weather, with the vents placed high up, above their heads, to let moist air escape without creating a cold draft on them while they roost.

A perfect coop setup is the cornerstone of good habits, but ensuring those habits stick requires a long-term strategy.

Prevention and Long-Term Success

Getting your chickens into a routine is one thing; keeping them in it is another.

• Maintaining the Routine: Consistency is everything. Lock your chickens up around the same time relative to sunset each night. Even on weekends or holidays, maintaining the established routine reinforces their training and prevents them from forming bad habits.
• Seasonal Adjustments: Be mindful of the changing seasons. In winter, with fewer daylight hours, your chickens will want to go to bed much earlier. In summer, they will stay out later. Adjust your schedule accordingly to prevent leaving them locked out or vulnerable after dark. In the winter, a dry coop is essential to prevent frostbite on their combs and feet. In summer, prioritize good ventilation and shade to prevent heatstroke. For a full guide on winterizing your chicken coop, check out our comprehensive guide.
• Using an Automatic Coop Door: Automatic doors that open at sunrise and close at sunset can be a huge time-saver and provide excellent predator protection. When introducing one, operate it manually for the first week so they get used to the sound and movement. Ensure your door has a safety sensor so it doesn’t accidentally close on a tardy chicken.

Free-Ranging: Will Chickens Come Back on Their Own?

Once your chickens have learned the coop is their home, you can let them free-range with confidence. Their natural instincts to return to a safe roost at dusk, combined with the training you’ve provided, will ensure they come back. However, it’s important to reinforce this behavior. Start by letting them out for a few hours in the late afternoon, giving them plenty of time to explore and get back before dark. For a more in-depth look at all free-ranging considerations, see our guide. Use the “Training Chickens to Come When Called” method to reinforce the return-to-coop habit. By consistently providing a food reward inside their coop, you’ll make coming home a simple and rewarding choice for them every single night.

Lost Chicken Recovery: How to find lost chicken?

Despite the best training, a chicken may occasionally get lost. Don’t panic—this guide will help you find them quickly and safely.

Search Patterns and Common Hiding Spots

When you realize a chicken hasn’t returned, start your search immediately but calmly. Chickens have a powerful instinct to seek shelter when night falls, so they’re likely hiding somewhere close.

• Check the Coop: First, double-check every corner of the coop and run. A broody hen might have tucked herself away in a nesting box or a very shy chicken might be hiding behind something.
• Search the Yard: Focus on areas with cover. Check under bushes, decks, and low-lying shrubs. Look inside any sheds, garages, or garden beds that may be accessible. Chickens will also instinctively try to roost in the highest available spot, so look on top of fences, in trees, or on porch railings.
• Use Your Flashlight: If it’s already dark, a flashlight is your most effective tool. The beam will catch a chicken’s eyes, making them easier to spot. Walk a grid pattern across your yard, sweeping the light slowly.

Using a Food Trail to Guide Them Back

If you can’t find them right away, a food trail can be a powerful lure. Start from the last spot you saw them and scatter a trail of high-value treats (like scratch grains or mealworms) leading back to the coop. The chicken may find the trail in the morning and follow it home. You can also place their favorite treats just inside the coop door to attract them.

Community Assistance Strategies

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your neighbors, especially if your flock free-ranges. Let them know you’re missing a chicken and ask them to keep an eye out. A polite heads-up can prevent them from accidentally scaring your bird further away.

Ultimately, the best strategy is to avoid chasing the bird, which only makes them more stressed and likely to run. By staying calm and using their natural instincts, you can safely guide them back home.

Understanding Chicken Vision and Darkness

Are Chickens Scared of the Dark?

It’s not that they’re scared, but their poor night vision makes them feel helpless and exposed. This is why their instinct to get to a safe roosting spot before it’s fully dark is so powerful. How far can a chicken see? During the day, their vision is excellent, but they are nearsighted. Their light sensitivity is high, which is why the fading light of dusk is such a strong signal that it’s time for bed.

Practical Tips for Poor Night Vision

Because they can’t see well in the dark, ensure the path to their coop is clear of obstacles they could trip over. Avoid making major changes to the layout of their run or coop, as they navigate by memory in low light.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on How to Get Chickens Back in the Coop at Night

Key Takeaways for a Peaceful Bedtime Routine

Creating a peaceful nighttime routine for your flock is one of the most rewarding parts of poultry management. By understanding their natural instincts and using these simple training methods, you can make sure your chickens are safe and sound in their coop every single night.

Resources

• (1) University of New Hampshire (UNH) Extension. How Should I Take Care of Backyard Chickens in the Winter? https://extension.unh.edu/blog/2024/02/how-should-i-take-care-backyard-chickens-winter
• (2) Merck Veterinary Manual. Environmental Management of Poultry. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/

Oladepo

Oladepo Babatunde is the founder of ChickenStarter.com. He is a backyard chicken keeper and educator who specializes in helping beginners raise healthy flocks, particularly in warm climates. His expertise comes from years of hands-on experience building coops, treating common chicken ailments, and solving flock management issues. His own happy hens are a testament to his methods, laying 25-30 eggs weekly.