Chickens roosting outside henhouse at night

[Wise Woman]

I'm betting it's hotter and/or stuffier inside the coop....
.....maybe try opening all those windows?

They are all open! 24/7 in fact. There are also open eaves the whole way around the roof. These pics were taken in the winter time. Plus the whole back of the coop is two large doors and I have them propped open a few inches as well.

I have been checking my thermometers (one inside coop and one outside coop) and it is usually about 4 to 6 degrees cooler in the coop than in the run. Go figure. I think they are just weirdos. LOL!!!

 

[Kat2141]

Here is a side view where you can see I should have made them much more at an angle.
View attachment 1508696

What if you try tying the lids open for a few days? they couldn't sleep on them and it shouldn't affect them using them for laying.... although, they may just roost on the edge that is tied up in the air

 

[Wise Woman]

I did try that and they did roost on the edges and the poop fell into the nest boxes. I am hoping as it cools off, they decide to go back inside. We were evacuated for a wildfire last month and I am wondering if they aren't somewhat traumatized from that as well. They had to go to an animal shelter for 3 days and while they were very well cared for, it wasn't home. I could put them in there and shut their coop door, but since the coop is inside a secure run, it is nice to let the door open so they can just come out in the morning on their own.

 

[Coop Z-ville]

It is nice letting them come and go as they like. I agree, they may decide to go back to roosting inside when it gets cooler-not sure where the Enchanted Forest is, but that may be coming up soon! Our nights are starting to get chillier. BTW-love your coop! It is very cute.

 

[Wise Woman]

It is nice letting them come and go as they like. I agree, they may decide to go back to roosting inside when it gets cooler-not sure where the Enchanted Forest is, but that may be coming up soon! Our nights are starting to get chillier. BTW-love your coop! It is very cute.

Thank you for your kind words. I designed the coop and made a few mistakes, but overall it is perfect for me. The enchanted forest is actually Idyllwild, CA. It is very enchanted here as we are at 6200 ft in the mountains surrounded by national forest. Our winters vary as far as snow fall goes, but it usually does get pretty chilly. Our nights are starting to cool off as well. Some will be down to 51 degrees in the coming days. Once it gets cold, I will put them in there if they persist with their wicked ways!

 

[Coop Z-ville]

Having hatched chicks in the classroom, and now having my own small flock of 4 month olds, I can say that just when you think you have them figured out, they spring something new on you! I'm constantly learning and adjusting! Sounds like you are, too.

 

[Wise Woman]

Having hatched chicks in the classroom, and now having my own small flock of 4 month olds, I can say that just when you think you have them figured out, they spring something new on you! I'm constantly learning and adjusting! Sounds like you are, too.

I have been keeping chickens for almost 20 years now and I am embarassed to say that they always outsmart me! LOL!!!!