My rooster has decided to sleep under the stars!

[nao57]

Well are you attaching food rewards coming from going INSIDE the coop (in order to get dinner)?

This is something not everyone does. But it does help me.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Do you have a thermometer in there?

If it is warmer inside than out that may be a potential cause.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

It is the same temp, no thermometers, but not really a difference, its in the shade. All entrances are left open for air flow the whole day. I don't feed them in the coop, but I can try it, and guess what? He went in on his own tonight! We will see if he continues to do so...

 

[CatsandCrops]

Is there enough roosting spots for everyone inside of the coop? They like to roost together so if there isn't enough space, maybe that's why they have taken to being together outside?

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

Yes, they have enough space, we have 5 older ones that are 13 weeks old, and 3 little ones that are 11 weeks old. The little ones sleep separate. So usually when we walk into the coop, 4 are on 1 roost, and 3 are on the other. Occasionally 2 pullets will sleep with the little ones, so Tino will sleep next to his Evil Queen, usually she is not with the younger ones, so it works out.

 

[LaFleche]

You might want to inspect the coop for poultry mites, fleas or other pests as this and ventilation issues often are the cause for not wanting to roost there at night.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

I will do that, my other confusion is he perching in there durring the day, he perches, and looks out the window, he also throws little tantrums in the coop corner when he is unhappy. So I'm wondering if he just likes pitching up high. Here is an older pic, but he is on the post we took down, he usually just sits on the roof, or the other support beam. BTW, it is predator proof, there is hardware cloth over the chicken wire, but you can only see the chicken wire, so I thought I would say something.

 

[Folly's place]

Higher up is safer, and also higher status, and roosters especially want to be up where they can observe their environment, and crow!
Mary

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

He does love to crow up there lol.

 

[aart]

So I'm wondering if he just likes pitching up high.

Yes, is it higher than the roosts in the coop?
Remove or lower this roost and he might go inside.