mine quit using the nests about a year ago. when I keep them locked in, they lay on the barn floor behind a section of picket fence next to the wall. when I let them out they lay there and in the fence row. Just being chickens I guess.
I have saw 'coons out 2-3 hours after daylight and before dusk. Like humans and all other animals, they look for food and water when ever they want it.