habit change - they want to roost outside of coop

[happytxchick]

Just in the last week, my chickens have decided to roost on our back steps instead of in their coop. First a cock and a pullet (I had to carry them into the coop), then the two cocks (I had to shoo them in), and then last night ALL of them were there and refused to budge. Against my better judgement, I let them roost there all night, but I don't like this new habit (safety reasons).

Why would they suddenly change their habit? Nothing about our coop or environment has changed -- although the nice summer nights make me want to sleep outside, so I can see the chickens' viewpoint. Any ideas?

 

[Quack Shack]

Had the same thing happen with my flock. They were peering in the glass door to see what we were doing and to beg for treats. Needless to say, it's hard to keep your kids interested in dinner when there are several beaks and pairs of eyes watching them at the kitchen table. And well, the fight with the door between the dogs and the birds became too much. I fenced off part of my yard and now only when the gate between the two is open do they watch me in the kitchen. Curious as cats! My OEGs took to sleeping on top of their coop as soon as it got over 50 degrees at night. At first I worried they'd be too cold but they huddle together and I just gave up shooing them into the coop and put 2 boxes with shavings for them on top. Who am I to argue with the Roo Crew? You could try roping off the steps before dusk everyone evening or rousting them with a water pistol before you shoo them to where you'd like them to roost. I let mine free range during the day but secure them up at night. Great to know you are so loved, isn't it? It's like your own little fan club.

 

[happytxchick]

Thanks, Quack Shack. That's the same thing here...peering in the glass door where we sit at the dinner table. My husband thought that was the deal...because they were watching what we were doing since the light was on and the blinds were open. I stepped outside and it is sort of like watching TV from out there. Haha! Then, last night, it was dark in the dining room and the blinds were closed and they were still hanging out!

Yes...it is nice to have a fan club!