how strong is that roosting instinct at night?

[Satya Kaur]

I had a bit of a crisis last night. My small retired flock does not like snow so have been staying inside and around their coop in a covered area. Yesterday afternoon when I went out with their afternoon treats, I found they had braved the snow and the hill between their coop and their favorite hangout under an outbuilding. When I came out at dusk to close the coop, they were still under the building, seeing the distance to their coop and the snow as an obstacle. These are not tame birds, they do not allow touching.

An hour later, some were down and roosting, the others were still up and it was almost full dark, far past their usual time. I was worried because they would be unprotected - the ones under the outbuilding would be easy prey and if I Ieft the coop open so they could go down, then those birds would also be unprotected. Finally, when I could barely see, the rest made their way down. Almost 1.5 hours total.

Can I safely assume their instinct will always bring them in under similar circumstances? Some of the ways I was trying were distressing for us all - making lots of noise over their heads so they would feel safer leaving, using a long pole to try and 'herd' them down. We all felt pretty shaken by it But if there is a risk that they will stay stuck and unprotected, I will take any and all action required. Although I am not sure what really prompted them in the end. Just Instinct to get to safety? Or the level of discomfort I was creating with staying where they were? Or is there something else I can do to motivate their movement? (Treats did not do it, nor verbal encouragement). Sorry to be long winded. Thank you

 

[CluckerFamily]

If you have straw, you may want to lay some on the snow to provide a path, plus they will scratch it around for entertainment.
You also may have to go out before dusk to lure them into the coop to make sure they go in.

 

[WindingRoad]

I had a bit of a crisis last night. My small retired flock does not like snow so have been staying inside and around their coop in a covered area. Yesterday afternoon when I went out with their afternoon treats, I found they had braved the snow and the hill between their coop and their favorite hangout under an outbuilding. When I came out at dusk to close the coop, they were still under the building, seeing the distance to their coop and the snow as an obstacle. These are not tame birds, they do not allow touching.

An hour later, some were down and roosting, the others were still up and it was almost full dark, far past their usual time. I was worried because they would be unprotected - the ones under the outbuilding would be easy prey and if I Ieft the coop open so they could go down, then those birds would also be unprotected. Finally, when I could barely see, the rest made their way down. Almost 1.5 hours total.

Can I safely assume their instinct will always bring them in under similar circumstances? Some of the ways I was trying were distressing for us all - making lots of noise over their heads so they would feel safer leaving, using a long pole to try and 'herd' them down. We all felt pretty shaken by it But if there is a risk that they will stay stuck and unprotected, I will take any and all action required. Although I am not sure what really prompted them in the end. Just Instinct to get to safety? Or the level of discomfort I was creating with staying where they were? Or is there something else I can do to motivate their movement? (Treats did not do it, nor verbal encouragement). Sorry to be long winded. Thank you

Go out just before full dark and get those chickens in the coop on a roost. This is why I suggest doing this ASAP of putting them in the coop as youngsters. Chickens can't see in the dark, that makes them easy to catch, I use a flashlight behind me so I can see them. If you leave them out past dark they are stuck where they are and at a high risk of predator attacks. I have a stick ( small tree limb) that I tap loudly on the ground and screech GET IN THE COOOOOOOP. I think they go in because they want me to Shut Up. LOL

Put them on the roost. Same place every night. As I said before it's a lot easier before it get so cold. EVERY NIGHT SAME PLACE. Chickens are creatures of habit but you have to make it a habit. Might only take a couple of nights might take a week or two. Don't give up you CAN win. Good luck.

 

[BDutch]

...
Can I safely assume their instinct will always bring them in under similar circumstances? ...

I don’t think it’s safe to trust their instincts in this. I have a 2 chickens who every now and then prefer to sleep on top of the run (when the weather isn’t harsh). This is not a safe place to spend the night. If I check too late and it’s dark, I can easily pick them up and put them on the roost.

Best you can do imo is to make sure the path to the coop is free of snow/slippery ice and throw a few treats in the coop before sunset.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Mine hate snow too. In order to get them to cross snowy areas, you may need to shovel enough out of the way to make a path back, or put down straw/dried leaves to form a dry mat for them to walk across.

 

[Satya Kaur]

If you have straw, you may want to lay some on the snow to provide a path, plus they will scratch it around for entertainment.
You also may have to go out before dusk to lure them into the coop to make sure they go in.

Thank you for these good ideas. Unfortunately, neither are possible. The severe drought in our area last year has resulted in no straw availability at all and the hours of my job mean that at this time of year it is getting dark by the time I can go out. I created a small window of time in the afternoon to deliver high nutrient density treats to keep them warm overnight, with a few minutes to refill water and aerate the deep bedding. They stayed close to coop yesterday, hoping they will do so till the snow is melted more.