I need help

[clinkski]

My enclosed overall coop is approx 6 x 8 x 7 ft tall. I keep their feed and water in the enclosed bottome area but also have a perch for them to sit on. The upstairs enclosed roosting area is approx 3 x 8 x 4 ft tall with 3 nest boxes that extend out. The chickens have always gone up to the roosting area until just recently. They have sleeping outside in the enclosed area. I am not too concerend about predators but it is cold out not too mention the poo that is building up and freexing on the sand/dirt floor. What can I do to get them back where they belong? I've posted pics albeit not very good ones so you have an idea of what I'm talking about! BTW, the coop has since been repaired from the bear attack! Any and all ideas/suggestions are much aprreciated.

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[Ema]

I would keep them in for several days to get accustomed to their coop and perches for that matter again, its all in retraining them to go back in when they are supposed to.

this usually helps the situation.

Good luck,

Ema.

 

[chicmom]

Does your roosting area have a door that closes? You might have to put them up there yourself at night and close them in. Once they get back into the habit of sleeping there, things will be back to normal for you.....

 

[midget_farms]

remove the outside roost.

Chickens will go to the one they like the most & it can be very difficult to train them otherwise.

 

[clinkski]

Remove the oustside roost - jeez, why didn't I think of that?!? I've moved them to the upper enclosed roost for 2 nights in a row and they stayed up there. I will do that for a few more nights to see if they will start going up again on their own. If not, I'll remove the outside roost and see what happens. Thanks for good suggestions.

 

[lilchick]

Whenever birds are attacked they will try to sleep in a different area.. Could be the bear incident upset their sleeping arrangements?


Goodness I think it is tough dealing with coons and possums and occasional fox..... Did you lose many chickens?

 

[clinkski]

No, the bear incident happened the past November and only 2 of my current chickens were involved with the attack and my other 4 are replacements. I lost 5 of 7 birds to the bear. Bears were certainly not on my predator radar screen. I have no clue what could have spooked them or triggered thier new sleeping arrangement!