Chooks refusing to use coup

[Jenny mac]

Hi my 38 week old girls used to roost in their coup but last couple of nights have refused to roost in there. Preferring to stay out in all weathers roosting on a fence. We had five girls but a few days ago we had to have one put to sleep. They really didn't go near her much and she slept on the floor not on the roosting bars. Has anyone got any suggestions. I've picked them up but they come back out.

 

[Teila]

Howdy Jenny mac

One thing that did come to mind, when talking about chickens no longer wanting to go into their coop to roost, is mites. I do not want to freak you out and this is just a thought and not a reflection or judgment on your chicken keeping, but Red mites come out of the cracks and crevices at night to feed on the chickens on the roost. Another type of mite lives on the chicken.

I am sorry to read of you loss

and I hope this is not upsetting but if your sick hen had mites, these mites will have left her, or the spot she slept in and could be looking for another host?

Another thought is mice or other critter, maybe. If there are mice or such around at night, possibly in the coop, this could scare them.

 

[Jenny mac]

Howdy Jenny mac

One thing that did come to mind, when talking about chickens no longer wanting to go into their coop to roost, is mites.  I do not want to freak you out and this is just a thought and not a reflection or judgment on your chicken keeping, but Red mites come out of the cracks and crevices at night to feed on the chickens on the roost. Another type of mite lives on the chicken.

I am sorry to read of you loss  and I hope this is not upsetting but if your sick hen had mites, these mites will have left her, or the spot she slept in and could be looking for another host?

Another thought is mice or other critter, maybe.  If there are mice or such around at night, possibly in the coop, this could scare them.

Thank you for that I'm certain it's not mites,I use a dust sprinkled under the bedding, and was advised that during Winter (we live in New Zealand) mites are not a problem, but we do have a problem with rodents. Not using poison due to chickens they are laughing at our traps. Many thanks again much appreciated.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi,

Maybe they are just excited about the rugby world cup?

If its not mites and the coop is rodent proof it seems rather strange behaviour and I'm not sure what you can do. Maybe put some favourite treats in the coop at bedtime and then close the door? If you hear lots of noise during the night, then there may be something disturbing them.

All the best

CT

 

[Jenny mac]

Hi,

Maybe they are just excited about the rugby world cup? 

If its not mites and the coop is rodent proof it seems rather strange behaviour and I'm not sure what you can do. Maybe put some favourite treats in the coop at bedtime and then close the door? If you hear lots of noise during the night, then there may be something disturbing them.

All the best 

CT

 

[Jenny mac]

Thanks never thought about the rugby, maybe they just want to be up in time to watch the games