Hens ystopped roosting in coop

[MissChick@dee]

Investigate. They are trying to tell you something. If it’s not the heat. Try a flashlight @ night. Mine kept going in and out one night not really squawking or alarming. Drove me nuts! I found a big nasty spider. Thought to myself y’all are supposed to eat these things! I killed it. Problem solved. Then I thought Oh No! What if that was a really poisonous spider. I need to be more careful.

 

[chickenmom24]

Pictures are coming soon

Pics of the set up will really help. Possible causes I can think of- temperature, pests, crowding, contamination (waste, or incompatible product) Have you changed anything you do or use in the coop? Cleaning schedule? New lighting outside that has changed their behavior? Does the door usually close before or after sunset? Chickens are usually creatures of habit, have you tried placing them back in the coop at night. They may just need to be "reprogrammed".

Yes! It's been about 2 weeks where I have consistently placed them back in their coops and they still aren't getting the hang of it! They were doing perfectly fine for months. I know they are pretty habitual so I'm pretty confused by this. I even left the door open until after dark last night and they still wouldn't go. They were just roosting on that bar outside of their coop. The door closes at around 8:30-8:45 right after sunset. The only thing that has changed is the temperature. I added some nesting herbs but I don't think that could be it??

 

[chickenmom24]

Here are pics of the run/coop! I just checked for mites, no mites.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Remove the bar outside that is why the want to stay out it is cooler
are you able to add a fan?

 

[chickenmom24]

Remove the bar outside that is why the want to stay out it is cooler
are you able to add a fan?

Just bought a fan on amazon actually. Going to install as soon as it gets here.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Just bought a fan on amazon actually. Going to install as soon as it gets here.

remove the outside roost for now disable the auto door for a bit

 

[True Patriot]

A suggestion for the fan. Generally exhausting the hot air out high on one end will give better airflow than pulling air in. Vents close to the floor on the opposite side from the fan will give the best cross flow and most efficient cooling. Air conditioning register covers make excellent vents and can usually be found cheap. Soffit vents are another cost effective option and a lot can be found with insect screen already installed. I would check one more time after dark for mites, many hide during the day only emerging to feed when the host roosts.

 

[pennyJo1960]

See we have never had bug problems here beyond flies

 

[aart]

Pics of inside coop, please.


Also ....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!

 

[chickenmom24]

Pics of inside coop, please.


Also ....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, then it's always there!
View attachment 1509878

I put that I am in Central Texas in my Post.