fox jumped c. 5' in tree?

[Frazzemrat1]

Either Catch and lock them in at night. If that doesn't work: Lock them in for a couple days so they know for certain its safe at night.

 

[kwhites634]

I have a predator proof coop but the hens only use it for laying. Any tips for retraining them to break the habit of roosting in a tree? (they roost well out of my reach and it would be impossible to get a ladder in as its a dense conifer). There are mink nearby.

You need to build a predator-proof run for them, as well, and confine them in it 'til they get the idea that they need to go in at night. That may well mean physically putting them in, one by one, for a few nights, but they'll finally get the memo.

 

[Folly's place]

Is there a reason that they don't like your coop? Previous or current issues with it could be the reason. Too small? Too dark? Mites in it? Poor ventilation? Rodents?
If it's fine, lock them in for a week until they want to roost there.
How about some pictures of your coop?
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Your predator will return until there's no dinner available.
Mary

 

[Perris]

I don't think there's a problem with the coop - it's plastic, has no mites, is more than large enough, (picture here for the interested) and they choose to go in there to lay and for a morning siesta. The ventilation is not as good as a tree of course. They used to roost in it till the independent hen started roosting in a tree and the rest then followed her example. I'll try to round them up and get them in there tonight before dark; thanks for the advice all!

 

[Steve J]

I don't know how to retrain your flying chickens. But you could get duel purpose chickens for replacement birds. My Golden Comets can't fly higher than 2 1/2 feet. GC

Mine (red sex links) fly up to the top of the coop, then over the fence into the dog area with my 4 dogs! I come home and a hen will be walking around with my dogs. Freaked me out the first time it happened, but they won't bother them for some reason. I never trained the dogs just fenced the chicks up against the dog fence and I guess the dogs somehow know not to bother them. Dogs are amazingly smart!

 

[drumstick diva]

If you can't keep them from roosting in trees, make them a secure run with top, so they are safely inside - whether they like it or not. They will get used to a run after some time

 

[Perris]

thanks for the advice all; I have them contained and in retraining to roost in the coop...wish me luck!

 

[Folly's place]

Your coop is really small and short, and looks dark inside. Big enough for two or three at most, IMO.
Mary

 

[Perris]

It's large enough for 8 LF or more bantams Mary. It's far enough off the ground for a hen to walk under and enough to expose any rodent. It is dark inside - isn't that desirable in a coop for roosting and laying?