Hens not sleeping in the coup

[daisyelviside]

A couple of weeks ago one hen stopped sleeping in the coup. Instead, she roosts outside in the closed-in run. Now 3 hens are doing that. Any advice?

 

[bigt447]

Might try removing whatever they are roosting on out coop.

 

[Skylercarr]

Do you have a door to your coop that you can close at night?

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Also check the coop for parasites that might be causing discomfort. Red roost mites can live in coop crevices coming out to feed at night. This can make the birds miserable such that they don't want to roost in the coop. Check by going to the coop at night and flashing a light on the roosts and in the corners. Mites will be slow moving grains of pepper. If you find them, clean coop thoroughly and treat all birds and coop with poultry dust or spray, repeat in 10 days. Mites can be wicked to get rid of.

Sometimes a lower ranking bird will simply choose to roost outside and others follow. I've had to place them inside the coop until they settle whatever pecking order issue is prompting.

Finally, you might want to double check the space and make sure all birds have adequate roost space.

My suggestions.
LofMc

 

[jackcooper]

I have the same issue here, my 2 hens used to go inside the main laying area to sleep but now they sleep in the outside run. I have checked for mites and no sign yet. It is a mystery yet to be solved for me but good luck with yours as well. Jack

 

[daisyelviside]

 

[daisyelviside]

I close the gate to the run at night but I don't close the coup door. Since my coup is snaplock, plastic I didn't think mites would infest but will check that.