Rainy and dark day

[CKoz]

It was a gloomy, rainy day. My chickens did not go in the coop when it got dark. They have never done this so far. I had to go into the coop and call them to come inside. Is this because there was not enough variance in lightness outside due to the weather?

 

[aart]

How long have you had these birds?
Are there windows in the coop?

 

[CKoz]

I have had them since April. No windows in coop.

 

[CKoz]

I also wanted to add that the coop is a renovated shed. So usually one of the doors to the shed is open. However, with the rain the doors stayed shut today to keep it dry inside.

 

[Whittni]

Maybe build a little canopy so the door can stay open for ventilation during the day?

 

[K0k0shka]

So these are young birds that are still building habits and routine, including going inside the coop. And this is their first fall, when the days are getting shorter and gloomier. If there are no windows in the coop, and the door is closed, then it must get pretty dark in there, especially on a cloudy day. Chickens have very poor low light vision. If the coop is significantly darker inside, than it is outside, they may be afraid to go in because they can't see. This is only going to get more problematic as we get further into winter, and the days get even shorter and gloomier. I would recommend cutting a nice, big window or two into the coop to give them natural light inside, and to even out the light levels inside and outside. You can use a discarded house window to stick in there, or a sheet of glass or plexiglass. Or you can buy a new window, if you can afford it.

 

[wrathsfarm]

Or you could add a light to the coop. Solar or battery if no power for a quick fix.

I agree to adding the window for long term light and ventilation.

 

[K0k0shka]

A light is a good last resort if a window is impossible for some reason, but the light would need to be pretty dim, and on a timer, so it doesn't disrupt their sleep patterns. If it's too bright, they may not go to sleep, or may choose to sleep outside where it's darker and more conducive to sleep...

 

[wrathsfarm]

A light is a good last resort if a window is impossible for some reason, but the light would need to be pretty dim, and on a timer, so it doesn't disrupt their sleep patterns. If it's too bright, they may not go to sleep, or may choose to sleep outside where it's darker and more conducive to sleep...

Yes, I should of been thorough to say turn it off after birds are in at lockdown and roosting.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

However, with the rain the doors stayed shut today to keep it dry inside.

Did they not have access to go in and out of the coop during daylight because of the closed door? Did you go out later and open it then? If so that is why they didn’t go in on their own. Chickens need a routine. If the doors were closed during the day that changed their daily habits.