Chickens didnt go in coop

[phillyfarmer]

Hey All!

Should I be worried? Last night I went to shut up the coop at 10pm.
Three of the hens were in the run and one was in the coop. The three that were sleeping on the ground all snuggled together. I shooed them into the coop and locked it up.

Why did they do this? Is something wrong with them?

Is it okay to leave them in the run to sleep all night? I was concerned of predators, but we do have hard wire cloth around the whole run top and sides.

They have been in their coop/run for almost 3 months so this is a new behavior for them.

Thanks

 

[Happy Chooks]

Was it really hot?

 

[Happy Chooks]

I lock mine in every night, but we're in the country, so I'm not going to provide an easy late night snack.

 

[toletiquesbysam]

I usually have 1 or 2 who don't feel they are ready to go inside for the night, I just have to shoo them in like you did and close the door. I think they just aren't ready to call it a day yet! It happens!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Maybe they waited too long, it got too dark and they couldn't find their way back? I've read here that chickens can't see in the dark.

 

[phillyfarmer]

it was hot. Maybe that is what it was? But the windows in the coop were opened and there was a cool breeze.

Seriously? They cant see in the dark? I never read that.

So then I dont need to worry right?

 

[lalaland]

they do not see well at all in the dark, that is why they are so vulnerable to predators at night, and why it is so easy to pick them up in the evening to exam for mites, and why people choose night time to add chickens to the flock.

It could be the heat. Sometimes chickens won't enter coops where:
- something changed (you moved something, left a new object in there, say something really scary like a hat or rake)
- they have a mite infestation and are getting bit at night
- rats biting them at night, or snakes or other predators
- for no discernable reason

So, check your chickens out, check the coop out, but it is probably nothing!

 

[cmom]

I keep a night light in my coop.