Help. My chickens decided about 2 weeks ago that they didn't want to go into their coop at night they were 16 weeks old at the time. Nothing has changed in thier enviornment. It started with me going out in my backyard to lock them up. I must say I went out at bit later then normal. It was completely dark. And they where huddled together on my bbq. So since then I have either been putting them in there by hand or coaxing them in with scratch. As of two days ago it got better but I have to stand next to the coop for them to go in otherwise they will go straight to the bbq. I inspected thier coop and didn't find anything out of order. And there is plenty of room for them. Btw, I have 3 barred rocks. And indication why they could be doing this and how it could be fixed. Because before this they used to go ihan on thier own with no coxing. And I never did it before 2 weeks ago.
My chickens don't want to go into their coop at night
- Thread starter rugbyusa
- Start date
You can try retraining them using the method recommended for new birds being introduced. Provided it's not terribly hot in your locale, go ahead and move their feed and water into the coop and lock them in for 2-3 days. It may help retrain them. Otherwise, continue moving them inside each night by hand, and attempt to block off access to the bbq or make it harder for them to roost on it.
Sometimes chickens get goofy ideas in their heads, this is a common one, most younger chickens at some point decide to roost outside somewhere, unfortunately you do have to go and round them up until they start wanting to go in the coop again.
chickmomma03
Songster
I shut mine in before it gets completely dark. They go in on their own, and half of them protest coming out in the morning lol. I coax them out and then they're fine, but this morning omgosh, my rooster was SO mad because 2 of the girls wouldn't get out and they were blocking his way lol.
Anyways, my suggestion is don't let it get too dark when you put them up for the night (this sunset change is a pain lol). Go out and get them in early and see if they start going in on their own again at night.
Anyways, my suggestion is don't let it get too dark when you put them up for the night (this sunset change is a pain lol). Go out and get them in early and see if they start going in on their own again at night.
- Thread starter
- #5
Well tonight I didn't have to physically out them in they went in on thier own while I was standing next to their coop door. And I did it at just before dusk so there was a bit of light and I will have to try to find a way to keep them away from that bbq. And hopefully this is just some goofy phase they are going through. I'll keep everyone posted.
How big is their coop....maybe they've outgrown it?
- Thread starter
- #7
Like 4' x 4'?
That should be OK for 3 birds.
Might be hot in there....good ventilation?
Maybe they just needed to be re 'trained'.
They can get goofy when nearing point of lay too.
- Thread starter
- #9
yes its 4x4 and there should be goot ventilation. I drilled some 4 1 half inch holes on each side. and the roof is just some of that plastic paneling (im in san diego it doesn't rain too much so I figured I would make the roof open for more ventilation including the holes on the sides). I figured that would be adequate for ventilation, unless anyone says otherwise. i would be willing to change it if it makes my chickens more comfortable and happy, so that i can get more eggs
Have you stuck your head in there at bedtime to make sure it's not still too warm from the daytime heat, it can take a long time to cool off the inside of the coop as aart said.
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