HELP! My chickens have flown the coop!

[Biscuitchicken]

So I let my chickens out of the coop to free range all day. At night they used to go back in the coop to roost and I would close them up to keep them safe. Now for the past few weeks, they elect to roose in the huge live oaks in my backyard. I literally have to catch them before they fly up or herd them in the coop now to get them in there. Anyone have any ideas why this is happening?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Possibly for more fresh air or something else that's stressing them about the coop.

I would try some scratch/treats to lead them in before dusk and lock them up. They'll eventually sleep wherever it has become habit.

 

[Biscuitchicken]

Thanks i'll give that a try!

 

[Naser]

Youtube: Clipping chicken wings
Just remember, that will make them more vulnerable to predators.
The other options is to leave them roost on the tree. if no predator can get them there they will be fine regardless of the temperature, rain wind and snow

 

[aart]

'Why' is always a good question.
Why won't they go to roost as they always have.....something has changed in the coop or flock.

New birds added?
Predator attack?
Pests in coop?...check roosts and birds after dark for mites.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

good point aart

 

[3ChickensNADuck]

I'd Keep them locked up for a few days, sometimes this reinforces home and they start roosting in the coop again.