
In Stardew Valley, chickens will automatically return to their coop at night, even if the door is closed. To force chickens to move at night, players can close the coop door after 6 pm, as they will all be inside by then. Players can also move chickens to a new coop by right-clicking on the desired chicken, selecting 'Pick Up', heading over to the new coop, and right-clicking to place them inside.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Time to move chickens | At night or early in the morning |
| How to move chickens | Right-click on the chicken, select 'Pick Up', head over to the new coop, and right-click to place them inside |
| How to get chickens into the coop | Close the coop door at night and open it again in the morning; chickens will return to the coop to roost when night falls |
| Keeping the coop door open at night | May decrease chicken happiness |
| Chickens outside at night | They will return to the coop by themselves |
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What You'll Learn

Chickens return to their coop at night
Chickens in Stardew Valley will automatically return to their coop at night. You don't need to worry about chasing them around or herding them in. They will go back to the coop by themselves when it gets dark. Usually, they will coop up for the night by 7 pm.
If your chickens are not going back into their coop, there are a few things you can try. Firstly, make sure that the door to the coop stays open, and there are no closed gates in the way. Chickens will not go into the coop if the door is closed. You can also try entering and exiting the farm or the coop to reset the chicken. If you want to move your chickens to a new coop, do this at night when they are already in their coop. Then, simply right-click on the chicken you want to move, select 'Pick Up', head over to the new coop, and right-click to place them inside.
It is important to note that you should not leave the coop door open overnight, as this may decrease the happiness of your chickens. Additionally, do not let your chickens outside in the rain, as they can get a little upset.
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Closing the coop door after 6 pm
In Stardew Valley, players are tasked with managing their own farms, which includes taking care of animals such as chickens. While the game is open-ended and does not require a strict daily schedule, players often wonder about the best practices for keeping their animals happy and safe, especially when it comes to closing the coop door at night.
Some players choose to close the chicken coop doors after 6 pm and open them around 7-9 am. This is done to ensure the chickens are safe from potential predators and to maintain their happiness. It is believed that leaving the doors open overnight can lead to animals being attacked by coyotes or wolves, although some players dispute this, stating that it is only an issue if the animals are left outside when the player goes to sleep.
Closing the coop door at night can also make it easier to pet and interact with the chickens in the morning, as they will all be inside. Additionally, some players believe that closing the door during the winter can provide a small happiness bonus for the chickens, keeping them warm and comfortable. However, others disagree, stating that they leave their coop doors open all year round without any issues.
To ensure the chickens' safety and happiness, players can also consider fencing in the area around the coop. This prevents the chickens from wandering into unsafe areas and can be aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, players can use mods like "Auto Animal Doors" to automate the process of opening and closing the coop doors at specific times, ensuring the chickens' well-being even when the player is not actively playing the game.
Overall, while there is no strict requirement to close the coop door after 6 pm in Stardew Valley, doing so can provide benefits such as increased animal happiness, ease of interaction, and potential protection from predators. Players can also utilize fencing and mods to further enhance their chickens' well-being and streamline their gameplay experience.
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Keeping the coop door open at night decreases happiness
In Stardew Valley, keeping your chickens happy is important for ensuring they produce eggs. While some players suggest that leaving the coop door open at night will decrease a chicken's happiness, others claim that as long as the door is open, the chickens will return to the coop at night and lay their eggs inside. However, it is recommended to close the coop door at night, especially during the winter season, to keep your chickens happy and comfortable.
During the day, chickens like to roam and explore, but at night, they need a cosy and secure place to rest. By closing the coop door, you create a safe and enclosed environment for them. This simple act of closing the door can make a significant difference in their overall happiness and well-being. It gives them a sense of protection from potential predators and helps regulate the temperature, especially during colder months.
Leaving the door open at night may disrupt their natural sleep patterns and expose them to colder temperatures, which can negatively impact their mood and health. Happy chickens are more productive, and ensuring they get a good night's rest is essential for their overall well-being.
To ensure your chickens are happy and content, follow these additional tips: provide ample hay for bedding and eating, especially during winter; place a heater inside the coop during colder months; let them roam freely on sunny days, but keep them inside on rainy and stormy days; ensure they have access to grass to munch on when they are outdoors; and finally, make sure to collect their eggs regularly.
By providing a comfortable and safe environment, both inside and outside the coop, your chickens will thrive and reward you with delicious eggs. Remember, happy chickens make for a prosperous farm!
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Chickens like to roam during the day
Chickens are social birds that live in small groups with a definite social hierarchy. They perform comfort behaviours such as dust bathing and preening, which are highly motivated behaviours that help them groom themselves and ensure their feathers are in good condition. They also perform behaviours related to body care and maintenance, such as taking care of their plumage and stretching their legs and wings.
Chickens are exploratory and spend a lot of time pecking at objects and the environment to learn about them. They also spend a significant amount of time foraging and feeding, even when food is readily available. This behaviour is called contra-freeloading. They also display fighting behaviours, with male chickens being more violent and more likely to injure or kill each other.
Chickens have a desire to roost and will jump up to higher surfaces starting at about three weeks of age. They go to their perches about half an hour before twilight, with the exact time depending on the light intensity. They seem to prefer perching when the light is about 1.25 foot-candles.
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Moving chickens to a smaller coop
To move chickens to a smaller coop in Stardew Valley, there are a few steps to follow. Firstly, ensure that the new, smaller coop is already constructed and empty, ready for the chickens to be moved in. This process is essentially moving the chickens' home base, so it's important to have their new home prepared.
Next, locate the chickens you wish to move. Chickens in Stardew Valley tend to roam during the day, so it's best to do this at night or early in the morning when they're inside the coop. Once you've found the chickens, interact with them by right-clicking on them. This will bring up a small menu with several options.
From the menu, select the 'Pick Up' or ''Move' option, which may be represented by a little house icon. This indicates that you wish to move the chicken to a different coop. After selecting this option, simply head over to the new, smaller coop and place the chickens inside by right-clicking again.
It's important to note that chickens will automatically return to their coop at night, as long as the door stays open and there are no closed gates blocking their path. Forcing them to stay outside by closing the door can make them sad and decrease their happiness. If you're moving chickens from a large coop to a smaller one, you may encounter some bugs, such as eggs being laid outside the new coop, but these will become accessible once the second coop is upgraded.
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Frequently asked questions
You don't need to force them to move at night as they will automatically return to their coop at nightfall. However, if you want to move them to a new coop, make sure it's empty and ready, then right-click on the chicken, select 'Pick Up', head over to the new coop, and right-click to place them inside.
Chickens will usually return to their coop by 7 pm.
It is recommended to close the coop door at night as leaving it open may decrease the chickens' happiness and they may get "a little ticked off".
There is a small door on the outside of the coop that you can open, and the chickens will leave on their own.










































