My girls won't go in coop at night. WHATS UP?

[marilyn1954]

My chickens used to go into their coop at dusk, all I would have to do is shut their door for the night. Now almost all of them, will go in from free ranging BUT they just go into the run and roost there but not the coop, so I have to pick them all up and put them in. WHAT HAPPENED?

 

[Kikiriki]

Well, something changed, obviously...

Have you checked for snakes, rodents, and especially mites?

Have they grown and are maybe feeling over crowded?

Do you have a new flock leader who dislikes the coop?

Is the coop secure from predators?

Is the roost bar in the coop secure?

Do you have a roost bar in the coop?

 

[marilyn1954]

Well, They dry bathe so i don't think there are mites, can you tell me how i can see them? They are so small. Also my coop is only 8 months old. And we change the bedding often.
No snakes in our area this time of year.
I have not seen mice, but outside Im sure there are 1000's of them!
My coop is big enough for 24 and I only have 13 so I don't think it is space.
Our run and coop are secure and have never had a wild animal try to break in.
All roost bars are nailed.
And we have multiple roosts in the run and in the coop.

 

[Kikiriki]

So sorry I didn't see your response!

They are tiny, and they can travel in with stuff you bring for the chickens. If they haven't eaten they are white, and then red after they eat. You have check every small crack and crevice in the coop. They hide during the day, and most posts say to use a flashlight at night.