chickens sleeping outside in the run

Mel281

Songster
5 Years
Mar 8, 2014
187
65
131
Minneapolis-ish, MN
So the hens roosted in the hen house all summer, and now that were getting colder here, 4/5 of them are sleeping in the run on the roost out there. The fifth is hanging out in the frame of the pop door. It's super windy tonight, though the hen house blocks much of it. But, we are expected to reach 26 degrees tonight, so what gives? Why are they outside? Crazy birds!
 
No. I added a scrap of fabric over the open pop door, but they were sleeping outside before then. They seem to be able to maneuver it to go in to nest during the day just fine.
 
Sorry, I have no ideas for your issue. It makes no sense that they were used to roosting in the coop and now outside. Once they learn to roost inside, I would never have thought they would move. They don't like change and something must have caused it. Maybe someone else will post a reply.

A lot of time it helps to post pictures - maybe one inside coop roosting area and one of their outdoor area?
 
I am sure that you have but check all crevices, holes or gaps. Ticks like to come in this time of year and that will drive hens out. Take a hooked knife and run it through some ideal tick spots(joints). If you find any treat right away and chalk the openings . Ticks are like that with chickens. Chickens are willing to put themselves at risk to other predators over ticks. This may not be the problem but if you didn't change anything maybe nature did. Just something to check.
 
Thanks, I never thought ofchecking for ticks! I'll do that tomorrow. And for some reason, I can't post pictures from my phone. It just says low memory.
 
400
trying again.
 
trying again.
Assuming this is the indoor roost? I think if you change their roost to a 2x4 with the 4" side up and make sure it gives each 10-12 " space, they will be more secure and comfortable on the coop roost. You have large girls like mine, and the heavies do need a little more support to sleep well. Chickens don't hold a round roost like other birds, and do better with a flat roost, IMO.

But if this is the run roost, could you post one from inside?
 
I am sure that you have but check all crevices, holes or gaps. Ticks like to come in this time of year and that will drive hens out. Take a hooked knife and run it through some ideal tick spots(joints). If you find any treat right away and chalk the openings . Ticks are like that with chickens. Chickens are willing to put themselves at risk to other predators over ticks. This may not be the problem but if you didn't change anything maybe nature did. Just something to check.
Guess I am missing something in this thought, if ticks are an issue, wouldn't they also be an issue in the run?
 
Here when the weather changes ticks get in the small gaps and my girls will spent the night in the run rather than in the coop. That's just one of the places I start. Cold down here is 60 thought. People had on winter coats this morning for the kids soccer. The 2x4 may help, my big black orpington will only roost on one with the wide side up.
 

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