Hi!

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC.

 

[OurFirstRodeo]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

Your coop needs more ventilation. And more light would help. Can you post pictures of the inside?

Hey! Thanks for your reply. I can look into the ventilation…. Can you explain what you mean by more light? I need to give them a light to sleep to?

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

I wonder if it's something with the roosts being too low or too high?

By more light, perhaps at dusk when they should be heading in there, they can't see their way around in there, so another window might help. I wouldn't leave a light on at night as they need dark to sleep best.

 

[DobieLover]

more light?

Windows. That can also be opened and are backed with 1/2" hardware cloth for predator protection.
Chickens don't like to go in a dark box.

 

[OurFirstRodeo]

Windows. That can also be opened and are backed with 1/2" hardware cloth for predator protection.
Chickens don't like to go in a dark box.

That makes sense, thank you! I guess i didn’t realize they’d grow up and change their minds after 3 months of sleeping in there just fine. I’m sure we can make them some windows!

 

[janiedoe]

I agree with @DobieLover
Also you are in serious need of a security upgrade. The chicken wire isn't going to keep anything out.
You need to replace it with hardware cloth. A raccoon could decimate your flock within a few minutes.
Its possible that rats or mice are getting in at night. That would be enough to keep the hens from sleeping inside. They may not feel safe there.

 

[OurFirstRodeo]

I agree with @DobieLover
Also you are in serious need of a security upgrade. The chicken wire isn't going to keep anything out.
You need to replace it with hardware cloth. A raccoon could decimate your flock within a few minutes.
Its possible that rats or mice are getting in at night. That would be enough to keep the hens from sleeping inside. They may not feel safe there.

Thanks for the feedback! I know we need to upgrade to hardware cloth, thats my next project and i figured I’d ask before starting so i could do everything at the same time.

 

[User690263]

Welcome to BYC! Feel free to make yourself right at home

 

[Tookie]

Hello! Welcome to BYC! Good luck with your flock.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you decided to join us!