Roosting

[Bayoucrazy]

I have 3 10 month old hens. They have roosted in the coop since I moved them in back in December. Last night I noticed that 2 of them were roosting in the run and one was all alone in the coop. I moved the two into the coop ( it worries me and was also going to rain). Is this normal? Should I even care? Does this mean I need more ventilation or something? I live in Louisiana and if they think it’s hot now they have a rude awakening come July and august.

 

[3KillerBs]

Welcome to BYC.

If you show us photos of your setup we can give better advice.

 

[Bayoucrazy]

Welcome to BYC.

If you show us photos of your setup we can give better advice.

Haven’t finished the paint and trim. Windows on front and back at top. Floor is wood with HC under it so it allows air in. Was thinking about adding either windows to sides or just vents using saw so it wouldn’t be big enough for predators just large enough to allow more ventilation.

 

[Bayoucrazy]

Also I used to keep food and water in coop but read that you shouldn’t. Would that be the problem since I took the food and water out? Was having any problem in coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

How about photos of the interior too?

The ventilation at the roof peak is GREAT -- right where it's needed most. And the floor vent is a good thought in your climate too. But if it's hotter in the coop than out you probably need even more vents. At the top of the walls under the roof overhangs would be a good place -- cover then with hardware cloth and you won't have to worry about predators.

If the roost in the run is higher than the roost in the coop they may be naturally seeking the highest point to sleep in.

If it's just one of those chicken mysteries you can keep sticking them back inside until they decide to go on on their own.

Food in or out of the coop is a hotly debated topic. I don't like it in the coop, especially a small coop, but others prefer it inside for reasons that seem as good to them as my reasons are to me. This is one of those things you can try and see what works for you in your specific setup.

 

[aart]

Great roof overhangs!
I would cut out this area, on both sides of coop, and cover with HC.

 

[Chuckie chicken]

Mine randomly decided to roost outside recently. One night it would be 2 of them, the next night 5, the next 3. No rhyme or reason I could see. After a week I got tired of wrangling them and took the roost bars out of the run, which solved the problem.

Prior to that, I tried adding a light in the coop at dusk (it was likely too bright and messed them up more than anything), and I added some additional roost space, which they seldom use, lol.

So far in my limited experience, it seems like there's often trial and error involved with chickens. When something isn't right, I like to fix it immediately, which isn't always the best approach. In this case, a little more patience on my part may have been helpful. Now I have to stop myself from putting the roost bars back in the run just to see what happens, lol!

 

[Bayoucrazy]

How about photos of the interior too?

The ventilation at the roof peak is GREAT -- right where it's needed most. And the floor vent is a good thought in your climate too. But if it's hotter in the coop than out you probably need even more vents. At the top of the walls under the roof overhangs would be a good place -- cover then with hardware cloth and you won't have to worry about predators.

If the roost in the run is higher than the roost in the coop they may be naturally seeking the highest point to sleep in.

If it's just one of those chicken mysteries you can keep sticking them back inside until they decide to go on on their own.

Food in or out of the coop is a hotly debated topic. I don't like it in the coop, especially a small coop, but others prefer it inside for reasons that seem as good to them as my reasons are to me. This is one of those things you can try and see what works for you in your specific setup.

 

[Bayoucrazy]

Should the ventilation be at level with roosts? If I add it where you indicated in picture, they will have window right next to roost. Maybe I could cut the window out , add HC but leave the wood hinged so it can be closed in winder when it would be too cold

 

[3KillerBs]

Should the ventilation be at level with roosts? If I add it where you indicated in picture, they will have window right next to roost. Maybe I could cut the window out , add HC but leave the wood hinged so it can be closed in winder when it would be too cold

Can we see the inside of the coop?

In hot climates a window next to the roost can make it more comfortable for the sleeping hens. If you leave the panel as a top-hinged cover you can adjust it in the winter to prevent drafts.