My chickens aren’t going in the coop at night!

[katie_3487]

For the longest time (maybe 2-3 months) my chickens would go in their coop every night by themselves, but up until recently they have only gone in SOME nights. They go in fine some nights and some nights their outside on their outside perches or just sitting on the ground. I don’t think it’s mites, because if it was, they would refuse to go in EVERY night. But I’m not understanding what’s wrong with them. Any advice?

 

[FortFusterCluck]

I don't have any experience with this personally, but I have heard this can be caused by a predator trying to get into the coop at night. So they don't feel secure.
Check for holes that a predator or egg thief could use (anything 1/4" or larger) and seal it up.
If possible, add a motion detector light by the coop to ward off any threats.
Make sure you're removing eggs every day to not draw predators.
Hopefully you'll get more advice for someone in the know.

 

[Perris]

For the longest time (maybe 2-3 months) my chickens would go in their coop every night by themselves, but up until recently they have only gone in SOME nights. They go in fine some nights and some nights their outside on their outside perches or just sitting on the ground. I don’t think it’s mites, because if it was, they would refuse to go in EVERY night. But I’m not understanding what’s wrong with them. Any advice?

When was the last time you cleaned the coop? Examine it closely for mites; use your eyes not your reasoning to determine their presence or absence. Look in dark nooks and crannies especially near the roosts. Look at night when they are active.