I have a flock of 24 layers, 3 silkies, 1 rooster, 1 cockerel, and 4 pullets. I have had a poor summer of production. I have checked for parasites, and treated the buildings and roosts for them as well the birds themselves. I have had one of my girls get Salpingites and had her at the vet. They did a fecal float for parasites which was negative. But I treated the whole flock for those just to be on the safe side. The only real changes I have made were to allow some of my hens to raise chicks this season. Egg production still sucks and now of course is molt. In have a motley crew for sure. So I am hoping for a spring renewal in that arena. But now all of a sudden half the flock have decided they don't want to use the coop. Some of these ladies have been with me for 3 years so not a new pullet situation. Even my rooster who has never had a problem going into the coop has been staying out. I have checked for mites at night both on their bodies and in the wood with a flashlight. I went out and sprayed everything down with Permitherine again On Friday and sprayed them as well. Still I went out last night and half the flock were in the run. The two older hens were inside but my rooster was still outside the coop. I see NOTHING! I am at a total loss. Do I treat again in 10 days just to be sure or am I missing something? Is there some other reason they suddenly decide not to use the coop?
