Help! Roosting in trees...

[buckaroo's wife]

Advice needed! I have 5 chickens that are approximately 4 months old. They've been doing great going in their coop each night - I let them free-range by day. Last night, a couple of them decided to roost in the trees instead of going in the coop. Tonight, I only found one in the coop when it was time for bed. The rest were all in the trees. Why the sudden change?? The only thing I can think of is that we've had some pretty violent thunderstorms the last few nights, and maybe it scared them from wanting to be in the coop?? How can I remedy this? I know roosting in the trees can't be safe...

 

[WriterofWords]

These are some of my NM Tree Chickens,, they've roosted in the tree for years. They are safe here though, it depends on your predators.

Out on a limb:

 

[Lollipop]

You`re right, it`s not safe. Pen them in the coop for about three days and see if they get the idea. If not, pen them for a couple weeks. Rule of thumb is, a chickens memory is good for up to 2 weeks, so that should get them started roosting back in the ccop. However, some are just predisposed to roosting in trees. If that`s the way yours are, you either have to build a run or take your chances with the predators. Good luck........Pop

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

I would lock them up in their coop for a week or so and then let them out again. That might help.

 

[buckaroo's wife]

I will probably end up locking them in the coop. We just have too many predators around here (coons, coyotes, neighborhood dogs, owls, hawks, etc.) Thanks for the suggestions!