Roosting changes

[CluckDynasty]

My 9 pullets and 1 Roo (he was supposed to be a pullet) put themselves to bed every night and I go out just before dark to shut and lock the coop door. Tonight 3 of the pullets had decided they were going to roost on a board outside in their chicken yard. I could not get them in so my husband came out to help and he had to pick each one up and put them in the coop. They are 17 and 18 weeks old and started putting themselves up from day one. What's going on with these 3 girls? Can't leave them out as there is no cover over their yard and we have lots of coyotes and raccoons where we live. just curious because it was so out of character. I normally let them out around 7 am when it's light outside. This morning had to let them out earlier, around 6 am, and it was still dark. Maybe that confused them! Anyone else have this happen?

 

[drumstick diva]

If there a chance that one of the other pullets or the rooster is picking on them and they are afraid to go in the coop. Sometimes it helps if you have a small light on timer, so it's on about 20 minutes when they should be back in the coop.

 

[CluckDynasty]

So far everyone seems to get along really well. When I went out to shut the door tonight there was a piece of paper on the floor of the coop (guess it blew in in the 30 minutes since I'd last been out there). They might have been scared of it, I guess. I hadn't really thought of that. We will see what tomorrow brings!

 

[1muttsfan]

Hi and welcome to BYC from northern Michigan

 

[ChirpyChicks1]

Welcome and good luck!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC! Glad you joined us!

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas and a belated

! Pleased you joined us!

 

[CluckDynasty]

Thank you all from a very hot Central Texas! No more problems with the girls putting themselves up at night...must have been that mean ole paper that blew into the coop! Put pine shavings in their laying boxes yesterday and new boards to make it easy for them to get to the boxes. Was afraid they would start roosting in the boxes but everyone was on the roosts when I went to open the door this morning! Yeah! Hope it's the same every morning!

 

[liz9910]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. As you have learned sometimes the slightest thing can cause them to change their routine. I use a deep litter method in my coops/lofts. Frequently when I change bedding the birds are reluctant to enter the coop. That piece of paper was the 'bogey man' to your 3 pullets.