Hens Switching coops to Smaller one

[C Siena]

We have 2 coops: 8'l x 4.5'w x 8't and 8' x 8' x9'. The chickens free range all day and all get along.

We "had" 9 in the smaller coop and 10 in the larger. About 7 weeks ago, a young hen moved to small coop at night. After multiple evenings of moving her out, I said heck and allowed her to remain. Now 10 in the smaller coop.

2 days ago another hen switched to the smaller coop. It was late and I let her remain. Last night another hen was in the smaller coop! = 12. I understand we "can" only have 3 sq ft per bird but I am not sure why the switch.

The roo (just 2 yr Buckeye) in the smaller coop is leader of the pack. He gives tidbits, calls to them, responds to them, warns them etc. The other roo (1 yr RIR) is docile and not leadership material. Could the hens want to be in the coop with their fav roo?

Changes: almost 6 wks ago, 6 pullets in cage in large coop. 2.5 wks ago the 6 pullets were integrated and 15 chicks in the cage.
I have not noticed any problems/disturbances in the flock. I say that singular as all free range together.

I am okay with the numbers as they are free ranging But concerned if more hens want to switch and curious as to why.

 

[sourland]

Have you checked the coop they are vacating to make sure there is not a red mite infestation?

 

[Mrs. K]

I don't anything wrong. So I am wondering if it is the roosters?

I will tell you an anecdote, I generally keep a 8-13 hens, + rooster and fresh hatched chicks. I had lost a rooster, and was given two juvenile roosters. I really did not want 2, and planned on either harvesting one or giving it away, but just really had not got to it, because it SEEMED like they were all getting along just fine.

However, I had a neighbor asked for a rooster, so I gave her one. Thing is the tension in the flock was a noticeable drop. I have kept chickens for decades, but I really didn't realize the tension, until it was gone.

Basically, I think that you are right, and your hens have made their choice. Where he roosts, I think they will too.

Mrs K

 

[C Siena]

I don't anything wrong. So I am wondering if it is the roosters?

I will tell you an anecdote, I generally keep a 8-13 hens, + rooster and fresh hatched chicks. I had lost a rooster, and was given two juvenile roosters. I really did not want 2, and planned on either harvesting one or giving it away, but just really had not got to it, because it SEEMED like they were all getting along just fine.

However, I had a neighbor asked for a rooster, so I gave her one. Thing is the tension in the flock was a noticeable drop. I have kept chickens for decades, but I really didn't realize the tension, until it was gone.

Basically, I think that you are right, and your hens have made their choice. Where he roosts, I think they will too.

Mrs K

Thank you. I think I will move them tonight at dusk back to the larger coop and then see if they return. If they return, I will allow but I can't have more hens in that smaller one than the 2 extra, the limit. My first thought was they want to be with the older dominate rooster. He will chase the RIR 1 yr, away from many of the hens.

When I can determine how many pullets are in the 15, I can make a better decision for both/whole flock. I'm anticipating about 21 in the larger coop. Thank you again.

 

[C Siena]

Have you checked the coop they are vacating to make sure there is not a red mite infestation?

I have not seen any, as I am on the floor to attend the chicks and have sat there playing with them. I will do a better check today as I know the mites are tiny.

 

[sourland]

Red mites are relatively large, hide in cracks/crevices, and only come out at night to feed while birds are roosting.

 

[C Siena]

Red mites are relatively large, hide in cracks/crevices, and only come out at night to feed while birds are roosting.

My error. I just read up on them again. I will check tonight when they go to roost. I'll check at dusk and again when it is dark.
I was going to clean out the coop today but I think I will wait until tomorrow just in-case I need to treat for something.

 

[C Siena]

Red mites are relatively large, hide in cracks/crevices, and only come out at night to feed while birds are roosting.

I checked the coop at 10:15pm, being dark for an hour. I did not see anything, except a larger bug. I checked the roost/poop boards top/bottom/sides, where the studs connect to the walls especially by the roosts and at the bottom. PTL still nothing.
Tomorrow I will check the hens. All are behaving normal/active.