Chickens won't sleep in coop

[rbrand]

Hi,

I've got a mixed breed flock of 5, 20 wk old pullets that I've had since they were about 11 wk. When I got them I introduced them to the coop, using the ramp, etc. From the beginning one chicken would not use sleep in the coop. She would perch on the coop roof or a PVC pipe running into the coop. At first when I discovered she wasn't sleeping in the coop, I'd put her in at dark, but she wouldn't stay in. About 2-3 wk ago, the rest of the flock started staying out at night. By a week ago, they were all out. The coop is 6 x 3 ft, with ventilation, perches and an egg box. The coop ramp leads to a 12 x 7 ft enclosed run. I should add this is my second flock of birds and the previous flock never did this.

Based on some online research, I thought mites could be a problem. But, I checked the coop and birds (during day and night), but they are clean. I live in the suburbs so nocturnal predators (snakes/rats) are not a problem.

Does anyone have a clue why the birds won't use the coop. It's been raining a lot lately and they are getting soaked at night.
Thanks.

 

[chickflick]

One bad apple, and the rest follow!

Is there a way to close them up in the coop at night....a pop door? Do that for a wk or two and they will get use to using the coop.

 

[rbrand]

Chickflick,

Thanks for the advice. The coop does have a door that I can close. I'll give that a try.

With my first flock, I left the door to the coop open, allowing the chickens to 'turn in' for the night and get up as they pleased. It looks these birds are a little higher maintenance.

 

[bantamsrus]

What's the weather at where you're at? Now that's it's getting warmer here mine are prefering to sleep in the roosts in their predator-proof pen (this is their normal routine--once it's starts to get cold again they'll start to migrate back into the coop).

This is probably my fault for alowing it to happen and for having the roosts outside, but it seems to make them happy. That's why we ended up making a small predator-proof pen adjacent to their coop (normally they free-range during the day).

 

[rbrand]

Bantumsrus,

Thanks. I've wondered about temp being a factor. Here in ABQ daytime temps are just now reaching 90F, but we've had a cool spring. With the dry climate temps drop at night. This behavior started in early May when high temps were in 70s and lows upper 40s to 50s. Last summer even during our hottest temps my 1st flock never did this.

My only concerns about the birds being out at night is the rain. We are heading into our monsoon season and the birds are pretty exposed. Also, when they start laying, which should begin any week now, I'm worried that if they are hesitant to go into the coop, where the nest box is, that they'll lay in the run. If the eggs are laid in the run they'd be more susceptible to breakage and then eating. I'm guessing!

 

[desertgirl]

Quote:
Hello, fellow Albuquerqian!

I was worried about the same thing. My flock used to go into the coop, no problem. But since about May they sleep in the run. There is plenty of ventilation, but maybe they are just more comfortable outside?

I'm ok with that, but I don't want the to get used to laying in the yard...

 

[rbrand]

Hello desertgirl,

Well, this sounds like it's fairly common. I'll wait to see what happens with the eggs.

 

[desertgirl]

Sounds good. Keep us posted. I'll PM you soon so we can "Burque chat"!