Chickens not sleeping in coop

[meetthebubus]

They aren't afraid of it

You can see what some of my run looks like if you are interested they are videos follow the link in my Sig im currently editing a updated video tour of my run and I discuss a bit about the ee's sleeping arrangements so look for that soon.

I just think we won't end up agreeing 100 percent on this, which is cool

 

[ChickenJV12]

I have never had a single chicken try to sleep outside. The coop must feel safe. Generally most people try to crowd too many birds into their coops. The bottom pecking order birds have no where else safe to go in the coop so they find something outside.

The problem is, the ones that were sleeping outside were at the middle to top of the pecking order

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The problem is, the ones that were sleeping outside were at the middle to top of the pecking order

Did I miss where you posted size of your coop and run and numbers of birds?

A coop needs to be large enough with enough roost space so birds can get away from each other. The common law of chickens seems to be 5-10 feet away if one bird doesn't like another. Since I have a large roomy shed it allows my birds to express normal behaviors and for me to observe them. If a bird is choosing to leave a secure coop to sleep outside where it's vulnerable to predation than there's usually a reason like space or not enough roosts to choose from.

Not all chickens like to cozy up to their neighbors. Some like sleeping away from the rest. They should be able to find somewhere to get away that doesn't leave them open to the elements.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

There is obviously something causing them to prefer open air rather than the coop.
My suspect causes are crowding and ventilation.
Just because you have seen that many birds in there, doesn't mean they wanted to be there.
The more birds in a building, the more ventilation needed before they'll seek out a place with more oxygen. 25 birds would ideally need 25 sq. ft. of openings for ventilation. What is the size of ventilation?
As for size of coop, do you have a tape measure? The interior floor space dimensions will help us, not the exterior dimensions.

 

[ChickenJV12]

Did I miss where you posted size of your coop and run and numbers of birds?

A coop needs to be large enough with enough roost space so birds can get away from each other. The common law of chickens seems to be 5-10 feet away if one bird doesn't like another. Since I have a large roomy shed it allows my birds to express normal behaviors and for me to observe them. If a bird is choosing to leave a secure coop to sleep outside where it's vulnerable to predation than there's usually a reason like space or not enough roosts to choose from.

Not all chickens like to cozy up to their neighbors. Some like sleeping away from the rest. They should be able to find somewhere to get away that doesn't leave them open to the elements.

Oh yeah. Whoops.

 

[ChickenJV12]

There is obviously something causing them to prefer open air rather than the coop.
My suspect causes are crowding and ventilation.
Just because you have seen that many birds in there, doesn't mean they wanted to be there.
The more birds in a building, the more ventilation needed before they'll seek out a place with more oxygen. 25 birds would ideally need 25 sq. ft. of openings for ventilation. What is the size of ventilation?
As for size of coop, do you have a tape measure? The interior floor space dimensions will help us, not the exterior dimensions.

Ok, I'll measure later

 

[aart]

Oh yeah. Whoops.

Ok, I'll measure later

Growth (the youngest are getting bigger) and pecking order aspects both likely at play.
Are the 7mo's laying yet?
I'd highly recommend putting another roost in.
Dimensions and pics of coop would help garner viable suggestions/solutions.

ETA:
Just looking at your other threads....idd you get 10 more chikcens since Nov 7?

Cause this current thread says 25...maybe a typo?

And also please confirm if you have 15 or 25 birds

 

[Perris]

I had some SFHs who decided to roost in trees; one started it, and the other two followed. Then I got some CCLs and they wanted to copy the SFHs. It struck me at the time that their behaviour was entirely natural; by contrast, coops do not exist in nature (jungle or forest). After about 6 great months, they all were predated, in a few nights/dawns (they are prone to come down too early, when predators may be waiting to pounce) over a few months. The current flock of SFHs, LAs, NGs and a RIR are all happy to use one or other of two coops sitting about 5 feet apart (with some variation in who roosts with whom each night; they decide, not me), and given my previous experience, I will discourage them from roosting in the trees here, should anyone of them start it. But if you and your tree-lovers are happy with the situation, and they are out of obvious predator range, I'd let them be.

 

[old biddy]

I have about 20 birds - three of which are roosters. They all sleep in the coops except one. She decided earlier in the year that she would lay her eggs somewhere in the woods and one day she walked out with two chicks. They never went into the coop. They sleep in the trees. I tried to lure them back to the henhouse - and one late afternoon the mom did go into the coop and onto the roost...but the chicks would not follow her. So, she left the coop and has never gone back. Every morning I look for them to be sure they made it through the night...so far so good. It has been about 4 months since she hatched the chicks. I guess chickens are a bit like people - some of us are stubborn and independent loners! : )

 

[WunnySharbit]

It sounds to me like something scared them and they no longer feel safe roosting in the coop. A mouse, rat, cat, kid, raccoon, or running leaf could have startled the group's leader and she took herself (and her followers) to a higher roost with better visual range.

Since you know when they start to head for bed, go out a half hour or so earlier with some especially yummy treats. Get everyone into the coop and lock them in, maybe sitting with them (in a chair) and talking/crooning in a soothing, "it's OK little Brrrrd" voice until they roost to let them know you, their chief, are OK with the area. ( It will appear to them that you are roosting and making the "going to bed" sounds. Even though you are the weirdest chicken they've ever seen, they still look to you as "food leader," granting you leader status in the flock) It may take a few days. Remember, you only have to convince the leader(s), and the rest will follow.