Hens staying in run at night - freezing cold, why?!

[16 and me]

Okay well - update! I set the door to close even later after sunset and they went in on their own last night. Maybe they were just having a blip? I checked for mites at night with a light, no signs. So good news! I’ll see if they continue to put themselves away over the next few days. Thanks for all your help.

That's good news! I've noticed a correlation between clear, cloudless evenings when the light lingers a little longer and my younger hens staying out longer to take advantage of it. On cloudy days/evenings it appears a little darker earlier, and they go in earlier. Hopefully that's all it is!

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

That's good news! I've noticed a correlation between clear, cloudless evenings when the light lingers a little longer and my younger hens staying out longer to take advantage of it. On cloudy days/evenings it appears a little darker earlier, and they go in earlier. Hopefully that's all it is!

you might be onto something there!

 

[PrettyChicky25]

Maybe they don't like the smell of poop in the coop.

 

[StinkyAcres]

Maybe they don't like the smell of poop in the coop.

Chickens don't care about the smell of poop. Many of us only do a full clean out of our coops once or twice a year with no issues.