Chickens stopped going into their coop at night...why?

[allyson23]

Hi...I am at my wits end with my chickens! I have six that are about 4 months, and three that are 2 months. Free range, well built and secure coop, no predators or traumatic experiences that I am aware of. For about two weeks now the six older ones have decided to roost on our deck at night and I can not figure out how to discourage this and get them to go back into the coop at night. They used to do it just fine! I tried shutting them in for a few days, no luck. Light didn't work either. They are pooping all over our deck and its so gross! Help! Thanks

 

[1655ot]

Allyson,
I have read on here that when chickens are traumatized by a predator at night they connect the coop with a predator. I know you said they've had no predator attacks but , It seems something has changed their sleeping habits. Just my 2c.

 

[BlackBart]

Could there be rats entering the coop at night?