Hen not going in at night

[BDutch]

A window in the coop might help too.

 

[Debbie292d]

This morning we discovered a 10-month old silkie pullet, frizzle no less, hadn't gone back to the coop last night. It was 6F. She probably slept under the ramp to the coop, up next to it as it's heated to 40F. It's insulated but still that must've saved her as once the coop was opened, she joined the others to enjoy a balmy 16F and seemed fine. She is the only one that did this once before, but under much warmer conditions. I have absolutely no idea why, because 25 others make it in there each night.

Tonight, the low is 3F, then -18F, -21F, -9F through the weekend. IF they get let out, they usually stay by the chicken door in this weather. During those negatives, we won't let them out.

All we can do is check better when we know we've got a "problem child" and put them in.

 

[Debbie292d]

A window in the coop might help too.

Or, a rechargable lantern if you can't put a window in.

That's what we use when we integrate. We stick that inside their door, then herd them to it. Usually it's four days before they have it down.

 

[BDutch]

Or, a rechargable lantern if you can't put a window in.

I prefer a window bc a window works 365 day/year without any charging/fuss.
And if the weather is bad they love to look to the outside.

 

[Debbie292d]

I prefer a window bc a window works 365 day/year without any charging/fuss.
And if the weather is bad they love to look to the outside.

Same. We have windows, and just use the lamp for integration, yet, have a rare issue now and then with one not going in.

 

[jxp]

!

If you have no cozy bedding in the run at all , she might prefer the coop with a luxury bedded corner and a low roost? .

There's no bedding in the run except whatever stray bits and bobs are kicked out the door - probably by Black Sunday White because she's very into line dancing on everything from food to her nest box to the soil in the raised beds.

I'm thinking you're right about making a cozy corner inside the coop just for her. I've already chosen out which maple limb to give her but I was trying to decide where to place it. I never even thought about putting it in a corner and cozying up a bed for her behind it in case she'd rather snuggle down. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[BDutch]

probably by Black Sunday White because she's very into line dancing on everything from food to her nest box to the soil in the raised beds.

 

[jxp]

A window in the coop might help too.

There are two. They're closed for the winter because they're near roost height. They get air circulation through the eaves and the small gaps I left when constructing the nests.

This morning we discovered a 10-month old silkie pullet, frizzle no less, hadn't gone back to the coop last night. It was 6F. She probably slept under the ramp to the coop, up next to it as it's heated to 40F. It's insulated but still that must've saved her as once the coop was opened, she joined the others to enjoy a balmy 16F and seemed fine. She is the only one that did this once before, but under much warmer conditions. I have absolutely no idea why, because 25 others make it in there each night.

Tonight, the low is 3F, then -18F, -21F, -9F through the weekend. IF they get let out, they usually stay by the chicken door in this weather. During those negatives, we won't let them out.

All we can do is check better when we know we've got a "problem child" and put them in.

Does she stay in once you help her to bed?

 

[jxp]

A few more pictures.
Main window spring through fall.

Same window closed for the winter.

Eaves intentionally left 'open' for circulation.

 

[jxp]

Ladies and, uh, ladies - I present to you Sherry's Cozy Corner. Ta-da!! (I hope she likes it)

Two corners of the coop are under the roosts so not there. One has the nest boxes and the fourth is just inside the door and the ducks use it. Part of the night. They come in. They nap. They go out to the pond for a moonlight swim. They come in. They nap. They go for a walk about to stargaze and cuddle under the nandina. They come in. They nap. They go have noisy sexy time in the middle of the yard (that's how I know the sky will begin to lighten soon)

Anyway, where was I? Oh yeah, all that to say, I constructed a little makeshift corner for Sherry. It is in the main area just as you (they) go into the taller roosting area. I gave her a low wall so she could still see the others and hopefully feel a little safer at night. She has both fresh pine shavings and straw in her cozy corner. I do hope she accepts it because the next month is generally the coldest around here.

Any other ideas to ease her back into sleeping in the coop at night during the upcoming weeks of cold weather are welcome as well.