Roosting in the Run and Not the Coop!

[KimberK8]

I have 12 chickens and 4 are new to the flock this year. Three of them insist on roosting in the run and not in the coop. With the temps at night getting cold, I've been putting them in the coop myself. Why won't they join the others in a toasty coop? Is it OK they stay outside?

 

[21hens-incharge]

How big is the coop?
How many chickens?

 

[KimberK8]

How big is the coop?
How many chickens?

12 chickens, the coop is rated for 14 chickens and the run is 10 x 10

 

[NatJ]

12 chickens, the coop is rated for 14 chickens and the run is 10 x 10

How many feet each way is the coop?

With the temps at night getting cold... Is it OK they stay outside?

Maybe.

Is the run safe from predators? Sometimes that is a bigger issue than the weather.

They certainly need shelter from rain, snow, and wind while they sleep. So a roofed run that has trees nearby to block wind is much different than an uncovered run in the middle of a grassy field.

How cold is it? If you don't know the exact temperature, then does their water have ice in the morning? Is there snow on the ground?

Chickens can be fine below freezing, but the colder it gets the more shelter they need from heavy winds. Fresh air is good, wind is not.

 

[KimberK8]

How many feet each way is the coop?



Maybe.

Is the run safe from predators? Sometimes that is a bigger issue than the weather.

They certainly need shelter from rain, snow, and wind while they sleep. So a roofed run that has trees nearby to block wind is much different than an uncovered run in the middle of a grassy field.

How cold is it? If you don't know the exact temperature, then does their water have ice in the morning? Is there snow on the ground?

Chickens can be fine below freezing, but the colder it gets the more shelter they need from heavy winds. Fresh air is good, wind is not.

The run is not around any trees to break the wind, open all around but it is safe from predators. Currently we are falling into the low 20s at night, but it will get colder into the winter (single digits). I'm afraid they don't know they are able to roost in the coop at night. They lay their eggs in there, I just don't understand why they won't shelter there. Wondering if I need to train them to go in there at night?

 

[21hens-incharge]

If your coop rated for 14 birds is a prefab it is likely to small.

How many linear feet of roosting space is in the coop?

 

[NatJ]

The run is not around any trees to break the wind, open all around but it is safe from predators. Currently we are falling into the low 20s at night, but it will get colder into the winter (single digits).

Under those conditions, it is probably better for them to learn to sleep inside.

They lay their eggs in there, I just don't understand why they won't shelter there. Wondering if I need to train them to go in there at night?

Yes, you might need to train them to go in.

But they might feel to crowded in there, which is why I asked how big it is (in feet, or in centimeters or meters if you prefer). The people who state how many chickens can live in a coop seem to assume very small chickens, so it may not be big enough for the ones you have even if it was "rated for" a certain number.

 

[KimberK8]

If your coop rated for 14 birds is a prefab it is likely to small.

How many linear feet of roosting space is in the coop?

It is a pre-fab. There are 4 roosting bars about 2' long. A couple like to sleep in roosting boxes. I never thought of the roosting space since they seem to cluster together so tight. Maybe time to put in another bar! Thank you!

 

[21hens-incharge]

Knowing the measurements of the coop or seeing pictures really will help us troubleshoot with you.

There are tons of reasons birds choose to sleep in the run.

 

[KimberK8]

Knowing the measurements of the coop or seeing pictures really will help us troubleshoot with you.

There are tons of reasons birds choose to sleep in the run.