Hen goes berserk right before bed...

[Yabini]

I've got a nine month old hen called Shirley and everything about her is pretty normal. She's a black sexlink and is usually quiet most of the time. For some reason though, every couple of nights right as she's going to bed, she starts screaming and hollering for someone to come outside. She'll fly up to the top of the coop and make a big fuss, but will settle down when I or somebody else comes out to help her to bed!

Has this ever happened to any of your chooks? Got any ideas why she does it?

Thanks!

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I presume she is not your only bird.

The flock order and bed time rituals can be very dramatic as each bird finds a spot to roost.

Also, chickens are quite blind in the dark and can get confused very easily. My silly girls will stay out too late during summer and then get confused as to where the coop is.

Often, in this situation, I have to go around and pick a hen or two off of some unusual resting place as they couldn't see their way back to the coop. Usually it is one of my younger hens.

So check the coop for any predators (just in case), but chances are it is just the roosting routine.

You can make matters smoother by drawing the birds into the coop area or attached pen with treats just before dusk. They will then find their way into the coop easier.

LofMc