chicken behaviors

[okmarge]

I have a two year old Rhode Island Red who all of a sudden started roosting high on a branch of a shrub instead of going into the coop to roost at night.
Twice I took her down and placed her in the shed but she continues to stay outside at night.
What do you think? Should I just leave her alone?
She is somewhat protected unless a predator jumps my fence.
Marge

 

[QueenMisha]

How high is it? If it's 5 feet or less I would keep bringing her inside until she gets the message.


If it's taller, you may be able to leave her outside but should be aware you are risking possible predation. Some predators are willing to climb or jump for a meal. Plus owls can take birds from uncovered runs.

 

[aart]

Good chance she'll get eaten if you leave her out there at night.

You need to ask, why won't she go into the coop?

Is it too small, too hot, too crowded, pest in there?

Describe your flock and setup in detail and maybe someone can help you figure it out.

 

[okmarge]

Thanks for the replies. I have only 3 chickens that use the coop and I have three roosting shelves and four nesting boxes. there is plenty of room. I think it may be the heat. Tonight is cool so I will check on her again. I let them free range during the day. I live in Nevada so it is sage brush that they hide in and that is where the hen chooses to roost.

now I have another question. In addition to the three older hens I have three 4 month old girls. They sleep outside the coop but in the fenced "coop"yard on a crate. They have been chased by the older hens. I hope that when the weather gets colder they will go into the coop to roost.

They are in the coop during the day when the older hens are out. The feed is in the coop so they do go in to eat. I am wondering if I have to physically place them in the coop at night.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
marge

 

[QueenMisha]

Thanks for the replies. I have only 3 chickens that use the coop and I have three roosting shelves and four nesting boxes. there is plenty of room. I think it may be the heat. Tonight is cool so I will check on her again. I let them free range during the day. I live in Nevada so it is sage brush that they hide in and that is where the hen chooses to roost.

now I have another question. In addition to the three older hens I have three 4 month old girls. They sleep outside the coop but in the fenced "coop"yard on a crate. They have been chased by the older hens. I hope that when the weather gets colder they will go into the coop to roost.

They are in the coop during the day when the older hens are out. The feed is in the coop so they do go in to eat. I am wondering if I have to physically place them in the coop at night.
Any thoughts?
Thanks
marge

They will continue to roost in alternate coop unless you place them in the proper one. It's the only way to train them into using it, otherwise their roosting instinct will tell them to continue roosting where they are currently.

 

[aart]

You have 2 sub-flocks, the 3 youngers and the 3 olders.
You have adequate roosting space and floor space for 6 birds?

Chances are the olders will probably not let the youngers roost or eat/drink with them.
Having separate roosts and food/water station may help get them all in the coop.

Very good ventilation in coop?
Must be hard to keep the coop cool in the desert climate.