Hens sleeping ON henhouse?

[Nugget-Twig-Ethel]

A little background: I have a raised henhouse within a larger, closed in, open-air enclosure. Unfortunately, my hens have recently figured out how to get on the roof of the henhouse, so now, they insist upon sleeping there since it is technically the highest “perch” in the enclosure, and it’s impossible to get them into the house at night! During mild summer weather, they’re relatively safe there, as no predators can get into the enclosure, but I’m worried about cold or harsher weather. I’m not sure I can keep them from getting up there. Any suggestions?

 

[cavemanrich]

Post a pix of your setup, and I may have a suggestion/solution to your situation..

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[aart]

Any suggestions?

Not until we see pics.

Usual reason is it's hot and stuffy in coop and/or coop is too small.
...and they like the highest place, which you might be able to block off.

Welcome to BYC! @Nugget-Twig-Ethel
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[Cazook]

Sometimes chickens will avoid the coop if there are mites/lice or if there is dirty bedding/poor ventilation (ammonia issues really), or overcrowding. How big/numerous are your perches? 30cm per chicken and wide enough to sit their feet flat is ideal.

Locking them in the coop for a week can teach them to use the coop. But as long as the run is secure from predators, you may just want to let them sleep where they wish. Usually they will seek shelter if it is too cold or there is rain.