Chickens not going into coop at night

[ChickenParent1]

My chickens have been out side in their coop for about 3 months or so. We have not had any issues with them going into the coop at night until this week. We think that something got into the coop during the day on the day it started. We keep everything open during the day and let them free range. We noticed that there was quite a bit of food on the ground in the coop which is why we think something got in there. We did check the coop and there was nothing in it. I also cleaned everything out of it. That did seem to help some last night but we still had to physically put them in. They are still going into the coop to lay their eggs. The only other thing that changed was that we moved their sand box that they use to fluff themselves right next to the opening that they go into. I wouldn't think that would be the problem but not sure. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

[thecatumbrella]

We noticed that there was quite a bit of food on the ground in the coop which is why we think something got in there. We did check the coop and there was nothing in it. I also cleaned everything out of it. That did seem to help some last night but we still had to physically put them in.

It's very possible there was an intruder. Other than making sure the coop is secure, you may need to continue training them to go in at night. It could take a week or so, but they should form a routine and start to go in on their own again.

 

[FlockAround-andFindOut]

Here in SWVA I have taken out nearly a dozen racoons that have come *during the day* for chick crumbles. Also same as Chicken Parent1, free range during day with full access to run and coop. It's likely you had a prowler. Not to frighten you. Just saying. It's been fairly common for me but I'm in a very rural area. We caught one inside the coop and started trapping. I'd try to not leave feed in the coop first. At least if something does come your girls won't get trapped inside with it. Good luck!!

 

[ChickenParent1]

Here in SWVA I have taken out nearly a dozen racoons that have come *during the day* for chick crumbles. Also same as Chicken Parent1, free range during day with full access to run and coop. It's likely you had a prowler. Not to frighten you. Just saying. It's been fairly common for me but I'm in a very rural area. We caught one inside the coop and started trapping. I'd try to not leave feed in the coop first. At least if something does come your girls won't get trapped inside with it. Good luck!!

Thank you for the advice.