Rafters vs coop

[DebAnneDigi]

Farm store coop… I put in extra roosting bars. They have always slept in rafters of coop… born in May, no eggs yet… I read to keep nesting boxes covered, when do I uncover them. I built a 10x12 run around the coop

It is a small coop, but block off from wind and rain. I had installed 2 extra roosting bars inside and dry grass bedding. Should I be concerned? They are sleeping in rafter of run, when I’m not around to supervise
They sleep close together.. in both places, I don’t think size of coop matters, or does it?
I ordered tarps for 3 sides
It all wrapped in Hardware cloth

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd have uncovered the nest boxes already however that's contingent on the birds reliably roosting where you want them. If the run is predator proof, no reason they can't sleep out there, but that's up to you and how secure you feel the set up is.

It looks like you converted the coop to enlarge the usable space inside? Have the birds ever slept inside there at all? Ever try putting them inside at night to show them that's where they're meant to sleep?

 

[DebAnneDigi]

I'd have uncovered the nest boxes already however that's contingent on the birds reliably roosting where you want them. If the run is predator proof, no reason they can't sleep out there, but that's up to you and how secure you feel the set up is.

It looks like you converted the coop to enlarge the usable space inside? Have the birds ever slept inside there at all? Ever try putting them inside at night to show them that's where they're meant to sleep?

Yes, every night they were sleeping inside coop, since July, I’d lock them in, let them out in morning. I predator proofed entire new 10x12 run..when I’m out (directing traffic)they go in coop, and I don’t lock door, they’re safe now. I was away for a couple of days, noticed poop in corner of run. Last night, all huddled in rafter, corner of run. I’ll uncover nesting boxes this morning. Would it help if I shine a solar light on doorway of coop? Thanks for commenting, appreciate it

 

[Alaskan]

The run looks predator proof. If it is... then there is nothing wrong with them sleeping in the run.

 

[aart]

I ordered tarps for 3 sides

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Would it help if I shine a solar light on doorway of coop?

You could try a light in the coop, see if that helps lure them in. Solar powered or battery would be fine. Maybe not enough natural light is getting in with days getting shorter and/or fall gloom.

 

[DebAnneDigi]

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2840499

Zone 4-5a, Upper Catskills,
1395’ elevation… updated profile

 

[DebAnneDigi]

Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!
View attachment 2840499

Done, thanks!! Winters vary from year to year… 5yrs ago -45 windchill, last year not bad at all..