chickens not going in their coop at night?

[CharlotteB12]

My chickens have not been going in their coop at night. We have 5 hens and no bullying occurs between them. We have an automatic coop door and we have had them for a year. They have never done this before. One of our hens, Luna, a barred rock, did not go in the coop last night and when I woke up she was dead. But, nothing got in the run, and no evidence of a predator attack. Then, tonight, our buff orpington, Elizabeth did not go in the coop. Any suggestions on why this might be happening? Please help!

 

[ClickityChick123]

Could it maybe be uncomfortable? Could there be some other reason they might not want to go in the coop at night? How old are they? Is it possible it's too crowded?

 

[CharlotteB12]

Could it maybe be uncomfortable? Could there be some other reason they might not want to go in the coop at night? How old are they? Is it possible it's too crowded?

It's not too crowded. They have a big coop and only 5 of them. It isn't dirty, but we will clean it out tomorrow. We checked the run and coop and nothing has got in or anything to disturb them. We got them on the 2nd of last Febuary, so they are a year and 1 month old.

 

[CharlotteB12]

Could it maybe be uncomfortable? Could there be some other reason they might not want to go in the coop at night? How old are they? Is it possible it's too crowded?

Thanks for the suggestions, though!

 

[WingItRanch]

Check for a snake inside the coop. They like to hide up near the roof in the rafters.

I'm concerned about why your 1 yr old Barred Rock suddenly died right after this behavior. It has to either be a predator or environmental. Is there enough ventilation inside the coop?

You might consider putting a camera out there to see what's happening after dark.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Any recent changes that could have caused stress? Does the coop have windows so the chickens can see in the coop in the evening? Set the automatic door to close later in the day so they have a chance to get back in.

 

[CharlotteB12]

We checked and no snake. We have ventilation and it is fine. No signs of predators and it has been warm the last few days. We thought maybe she got stuck outside and maybe had a heart attack or fell from a high roosting bar? We are not sure. It is a good idea to put a camera out there! I will try it! Thanks!

 

[CharlotteB12]

We moved their coop about a month ago and they have been fine until now. The coop was moved only a few feet because it was off our property by a little. Yes, there is windows on both sides. The coop door is set to close at 9:00. Maybe we should set it for later?

 

[StinkyAcres]

We moved their coop about a month ago and they have been fine until now. The coop was moved only a few feet because it was off our property by a little. Yes, there is windows on both sides. The coop door is set to close at 9:00. Maybe we should set it for later?

Is there still some light out at 9PM where you are?

 

[CharlotteB12]

No, there isn't any light.