Chickens staying out late at night

[PeanutBabyGranola]

We have had three chickens for almost a year and a half now, and we have never had any issue with them getting into bed (even when we moved the run) until tonight. Usually they will get sleepy and go in between 9pm and 9:30pm at this time of year, however tonight, two of them (who were trying to get past each other on quite a narrow log) decided to sit down where they were, and stayed there for a very long time. I then went up to put them away at 10pm, by which time it was close to complete darkness outside, and they were both still sat there in the same positions in the darkness. In the end I just picked them both up and carried them over to the coop (an 'eglu' brand one) and then after a bit of grumbling from all parties, they went inside and joined the third hen.

I've got no idea what was going on, this is the first time since the day we got them that any of us have had to put them to bed ourselves. Should this be a cause for concern? If it helps, the one that did go up of her own accord is the clear head hen (top of the pecking order), so could it have been to do with her being a bit too bossy with them before bed?

 

[CindyinSD]

Eglu is a really small (though really cute) coop. I'm not sure how good the ventilation is. Has it been awfully hot where you are? Is it stuffy inside the coop?

 

[PeanutBabyGranola]

Eglu is a really small (though really cute) coop. I'm not sure how good the ventilation is. Has it been awfully hot where you are? Is it stuffy inside the coop?

Today was fairly mild, but there have been much hotter days recently where they have been fine at night I think.

 

[Lorax]

Have you checked the coop for red mite recently? I have an Eglu Cube and when my girls were reluctant to go to bed that's what it was.