girls won't sleep in their coop anymore...

[PuffMommy]

i had 5 hens and introduced 2 new ones...they're all pretty young - around 16 weeks or so, the 2 new ones might be a month younger. the two groups do NOT get along but at least they were all going into the coop together at night. now all the big girls are sleeping on a perch outside in the run while the 2 younger/new ones sleep in the coop (i keep the door between the coop and the enclosed run open in the warm weather so i don't have to let them out in the morning). the big ones haven't slept in the coop for well over a week. what's going on? will they go back in when it gets cold enough? i though they all would be getting along by now...

 

[chickflick]

I think they just prefer being outside. If you want them in the coop at night, I would definately lock them up at night so they get use to it again before it gets really cold out. Chickens' habits are hard to break.

 

[PuffMommy]

but how do i get them in the coop? i've tried everything except picking them all up and throwing them in. i even toss their favorite treats in and they won't go.
i usually let them free range during the day but i was thinking about keeping them all locked up in the coop/run for a couple of days until they can sort it all out. the big girls will have to go into the coop to get food at least. should i do this?

 

[Katy]

Could they have been scared by something while they were in their coop?

Probably the only way to get them back in the habit of going in, is by picking them up and putting them in.

 

[waynesgarden]

Try removing the outdoors perch for a while?

Wayne

 

[PuffMommy]

good idea - thanks!