I am conflicted with this turn of events. I so agree it is a nice time to take a break and sneak in a cuddle during the "carrying said chicken" to roost. Those few minutes can become something special, trust me I know. I've done it many times in the past. First with Drumstick who would wait on top of Russ's stall boards for me to lift him to the roost and then with George. Drummie's place was not so bad, higher up and to get to him you had to mess with a big 1000lb horse. George, well, that special boy chose to wait for me on top of the wire dog kennel I had sitting beside the silkie coop. I loved those few minutes each night of me coming home from work and packing him to the coop and getting our one on one time. It was special in many ways. Partly because I had been gone all day and I needed my chicken time. More importantly, it allowed that time with George who reverted back to my sweet lovable little baby. You see, when George stepped up into flock rooster he took those duties seriously and myself and our snuggles were no longer his top priority. He was a busy boy with many responsibilities and while I could hold him during the day, he really melted and enjoyed it at night when everyone else was in bed and he duties were done for the day. I looked forward to that so much I did not think clearly and in my negligence it cost me my dear George. What I should have done was insisted Rosie put him up at night and I just make a trip out to the closed coop. I did not, I enjoyed that routine so much I thought he would be ok for a few minutes after dark. One of my biggest regrets I must say. My dear boy was the first victim of the coyote and what let him find a easy meal which became a routine and has cost me dearly this summer.
I'm not saying you have a coyote problem, but there are many other nighttime predators to consider. And it only takes a minute for one to strike and leave heartache in its wake. The guilt that follows, I wish on no one.
Tis the season to lose feathers, la la la la la, la la la la! 
