Afternoon naps?

[backyardmenagerie]

Are my chickens ridiculously lazy, or is this normal? My hens all lay in the afternoon, around 12 to 2 pm. Shortly thereafter the whole flock goes into the coop and roosts, like it was night. They nap for an hour or two, then one by one will return to free-ranging. Some will hang out in the barn for the rest of the day.
So is my flock really lazy, or do they need the extra sleep?

 

[backyardmenagerie]

Anyone?

 

[hoping4better]

Mine will take an afternoon nap, especially if it's hot. Often in early afternoon they'll sit outside the coop in wallows they've made in the dirt and just sit. They seem really happy, so I don't think anything about it.

 

[MetalSmitten]

mine do that if it's hot outside, or if there's no shade in the run. dunno what your weather's been like though

 

[backyardmenagerie]

They do it regardless of the weather. It could be freezing rain, 70 and sunny, or blistering hot, and they are taking their nap everyday, like clockwork. Maybe they just really like my coop?
And they get to free-range, which is why I thought it really odd. They have acres of trees, pond-side shaded areas, gardens, and plenty of various ground types to lay on. They could go anywhere... so what are they doing back in the coop??

 

[Robin'sBrood]

Do you have a crazy rooster that keeps them up all night? I had a roo that used to start crowing around 2:30 in the morning.... I'm surprised my girls didn't take afternoon naps too!

 

[fargosmom]

I think afternoon naps are a wonderful thing, especially for hard-working girls. They're probably just saving their energy, and trying to decide what shape their next egg should be.