Changed surroundings = changed behavior?

[Lils Roost]

This is my first summer with chickens and I'm learning as I go through the seasons. I'd like your input please. My ladies were recently moved to a new beautiful coop with a new run. It's a major upgrade for them with simple things like two levels of roosting bars in the coop instead of one. It's painted an off white color inside with a lot of natural light so it's lighter inside. The previous coop was much darker with only one window. Since moving them in, their behavior has changed. They're spending a ton of time in the coop even though it's been hot (90 F) and above with very high humidity. There's also a major decrease in egg production. They have a lot of out door shade due to the covered run. The thermometer in the coop is showing the inside temp the same as outside on cloudy days and just a bit higher on sunny days. They get refreshed cold water 2x daily with a frozen soda bottle ice cube inside. They're not eating as much as they used to either. I've checked for mites = nada. Stools are normal. They also have an automatic door now so they are getting outside earlier.

I'm guessing it's the heat and possibly the love of their new coop but what are your thoughts? Maybe all of the change is coming into play as well?

 

[fluffycrow]

Moving from a familiar, and as such, a safe place, to a new and (if I understand correctly) slightly larger space, can be stressful for chickens. They are, creatures of habit after all.

You are correct in thinking that heat plays a role in all of this as well.

Soon enough they'll settle into their new routine