5 Tricks for Getting Your Chickens Back into the Coop

Rounding up a free-ranging flock at the end of the day doesn’t have to be a wild goose chase!

Here’s how to make coop time something your chickens actually look forward to.

Tip 1 - Use Daily Treats as Your Secret Weapon

Chickens are creatures of habit and they’re motivated by food! If you offer a tasty snack at coop time every single evening, they’ll start associating the routine with something delicious and they’ll come running.

Strong Animals Happy Tract and Golden Graze are perfect for this! Both are healthy daily snacks made with natural ingredients like essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seeds. Scatter a handful just inside the coop door each evening, and your flock will start heading in on their own. Bonus: you’re supporting their digestive health and egg quality at the same time.

Tip 2 - Keep a Consistent Evening Routine

Chickens are surprisingly good at reading the clock. Try to close the coop around the same time each evening. Ideally about 20 to 30 minutes after sunset when the light naturally cues them to roost. A predictable schedule makes the whole process smoother for both you and your flock.

Tip 3 - Use a Consistent Sound or Call

Pair a specific sound or a phrase like "chick chick chick," a whistle, or even shaking a treat bag with the moment you offer their evening snack. Over time, chickens learn to associate that sound with food and will come to you when they hear it. This makes rounding up stragglers much easier.

Tip 4 - Make the Coop a Place They Want to Be

Chickens won’t rush back to a coop that’s uncomfortable, smells unpleasant or feels unsafe. Keep bedding clean and dry, make sure roosting bars are the right height and ensure the space feels secure from predators. A well-maintained coop is an inviting coop.

Tip 5 - Gently Herd Stragglers with a Flag or Stick

For the few chickens who always hold out, a long stick or a piece of fabric can work as a gentle "wing" to guide them in the right direction. Move slowly and calmly because rushing or chasing tends to make things worse. Staying low and using your arms to create a visual barrier can also help direct them toward the door.

The biggest secret to a smooth coop routine is repetition. Once your flock learns what to expect, especially if a delicious treat is part of the deal, the evening shuffle becomes a lot less stressful for everyone involved.

Golden Graze - For Quality Eggs & Golden Yolks Golden Graze is a daily chicken snack that promotes quality eggs with golden yolks and Omega-3 fatty acids. It contains oregano essential oils, multi-grains, cracked corn, oyster shells, marigold petals and flaxseed. Treat your hens to this healthy snack and enjoy eggsellent eggs.

Happy Tract - For Digestive Healthy & Immunity 

Happy Tract is a daily chicken snack that promotes digestive health in your flock. It contains oregano, cinnamon and thyme essential oils, prebiotics, multi-grains, cracked corn and sunflower seed. Treat your feathered friends to this healthy snack.