My chickens arent sleeping in the house????

[Needycowgirl]

I had to get rid of my Roo last week because they aren't legal where I am

...Suddenly tonight I noticed that my girls aren't sleeping in the coop tonight. Its dark and they are all hanging outside either on the ground or on the outside roosts....Is this normal? I just wondered if its because its summer and nice weather or if its because their man left.. They have been sleeping in the coop for months..

 

[Judy]

Sometimes a snake or other critter has gotten in the coop, or they have a case of lice/mites, some of which hide during the day and get on them at night. Ot maybe it is cooler outside.

 

[Needycowgirl]

Thanks for the reply..I can 100% guarantee there is no critters or mites in the coop....hmm so maybe they just like it outside

 

[teach1rusl]

Keep in mind though that unless your run is very securely covered, outside is not a safe place for them to roost at night. Your roo may have guided them inside each night, and now that he's gone, nobody is taking over that job. I know my roo herds his girls in each night. Does your coop have plenty of ventilation? I'm wondering too if it's a lot hotter inside than out???

 

[Needycowgirl]

The run is covered so I dont worry about them outside. The house is well ventilated and last night it didnt feel that warm in the coop....so should I wait and see if someone takes over his job or start finding a way to heard them in? There is no door on the coop so I cant lock them in for the night.

 

[MareeZoCool]

Are you POSITIVE that your coop isTotally secure from predators? We were shocked to learn our chicken wire walls failed as safe and secure~ except to confine my chickens while a racoon broke in and attacked them one morning@ 4AM

 

[christineavatar]

I think the idea that they are waiting for someone to lead them in is probably correct. It seems that you'll have to play rooster for a while - just a couple of days I would think - and coax them in. After a while they should start doing it on their own.