Chickens acting strange??

[musikfan6]

Good evening everyone.

I went out to the coop this evening to close the door to the run. I went inside, and it was just about completely dark with the sun almost down. I think the chickens were settled in, but some of them were resting right next to the opening. So I had to pick up two of them to get them out of the way. We'll they started making these pathetic noises that sounded like they were majorly distressed. Did I do something wrong? They were then pushing themselves into the corner acting like they were terrified. They know me well, so I don't understand why they were freaking out so much.

Also, I have two roosts at different levels for the hens to roost. But there are eight of them and they are scattered all over the place, but not using the roosts. One of them is ON TOP OF the nexting boxes which I purposely built with a slanted roof so they would not roost on them. Another on is INSIDE an empty nesting box which has no hay or pine shavings. Two more of them are clear up on the ledge which is almost at the ceiling. The other on is by herself over in a corner. I thought they would use the roosts.

So what's their problem. I've never seen them act this way. Otherwise, they are perfectly healthy.

 

[RonC]

Mine like to sit in the coop door until after dark. They don't like being moved away from their spot either. Mine sleep in different spots depending on the outside temp it seems. When chilly they sleep on the floor, when warm they sleep on the roosts.You don't want them sleeping in the nest boxes(too much poop) so I would block it off until they are old enough to start laying. Sounds like the majority of them are trying to find where to roost, just have't quiet figured it out.

 

[musikfan6]

Mine like to sit in the coop door until after dark. They don't like being moved away from their spot either. Mine sleep in different spots depending on the outside temp it seems. When chilly they sleep on the floor, when warm they sleep on the roosts.You don't want them sleeping in the nest boxes(too much poop) so I would block it off until they are old enough to start laying. Sounds like the majority of them are trying to find where to roost, just have't quiet figured it out.

So basically you're saying that I really stressed them out because I tried to move them after they had settled in to their spot?? That makes me feel better. They were REALLY agitated. This morning they were fine, of course.

 

[RonC]

So basically you're saying that I really stressed them out because I tried to move them after they had settled in to their spot?? That makes me feel better. They were REALLY agitated. This morning they were fine, of course.

I don't know really stressed out they get moving them but better stressed than dinner for some predator. Mine fuss when I make them go in too. Usually I just wait until after completely dark and they go in on their own.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Some are more chicken than others, I had a too that if you moved him at night he would scream his head off, scared me so much I almost dropped home! Chickens are disoriented at night and can't see so well. My 6 weekers like to pile up by the coop door and star gaze, I just push em out of the way to close the hatch.

 

[musikfan6]

Well, to update my "Strange Chicken" story ( I don't know if you'd call this strange, but maybe more funny...)

I went out again to close up the chicken run. I counted them up and could only find seven. Looked everywhere in the coop, but only could find seven. So I went outside around the back of the coop. And where should I find number seven but up in the pine tree settled in for the night! So I pulled her down, much to her disgust with me, and I put her back in the coop. The problem is that my temporary fence is only about 3 feet high, so I'm sure they are just flying right over it. I have plans to put up my completely enclosed outside run in the next week. Am I running a risk until then?

Why didn't she go back into the coop like everyone else? I thought they would automatically do that.

 

[red hen in the rain]

The other flock that lives on my community farm had three Red Comets that would roost in trees all winter, to the point of having frosty backs in the morning. They finally started going in the coop when we forcibly moved them there. However, maybe the outside experience was good for them, they're the only ones out of the original 12 pullets that survived the hawk attacks last winter and are now strong savvy layers.

 

[musikfan6]

The other flock that lives on my community farm had three Red Comets that would roost in trees all winter, to the point of having frosty backs in the morning. They finally started going in the coop when we forcibly moved them there. However, maybe the outside experience was good for them, they're the only ones out of the original 12 pullets that survived the hawk attacks last winter and are now strong savvy layers.

Good thoughts. I never considered that. We do have some hawks and fox around, though. I'd hate to seem them gobbled up.

 

[Sarahej]

I am sorry if this is a lame question, but isn't the run predator proof too? Mine is covered with wire and framing. Thanks for a reply and I can't beleive how easily I can scare my chicks!

 

[musikfan6]

I am sorry if this is a lame question, but isn't the run predator proof too? Mine is covered with wire and framing. Thanks for a reply and I can't beleive how easily I can scare my chicks!

NO, it is not covered yet, but that is coming in another week or so. I figure that once I have it completely enclosed, then I don't have to worry about disturbing them at night. They can go out and come in at their own leisure without me having to bother with opening and closing the door to the run.