Seriously?? SMH

[bhawk-23]

So I am really struggling with this cold. I know a heated coop is not good. I know ventilation is vital. And dry as well. But I just cannot handle that they are in negative temps during the night

So I finally caved (shocked it took so long!) and bought a panel heater. Not enough to actually heat the whole coop and I believe much safer than the other heat sources. My rooster is getting some frostbite so I decided it might help take the chill off and placed it next to his roost.

I'm literally inside the coop knocking my head, frozen toes and fighting off the curious chickens wanting to peck at all the new shiny things installing them (because 2 is always better... right??) and really struggling. This is usually hubs job but he is traveling for a few weeks.

Success!! The coop is a consistent 5-8 degrees warmer overnight and staying dry. I was so proud

Well, the older gals decided to stay outside still but that is what they prefer. But the rooster and two pullets were inside. I bet they were loving it, for sure!

Second night I head out to tuck them in and all but 1 pullet is outside. WHAT??

Now tonight ALL birds are roosting outside!!!

Seriously?? They must hate it!

Why do I even try?? It's like the water, as sure as I supply multiple clean water dishes they will find the nasty dirty rainwater to drink.

The struggle is real.......

I have to add that I installed 2" foam insulation board along the west side and SW corner to help with crowing but it has made their outside roosting area quite comfortable. And I didn't even have to climb in the coop to do it! Sigh.....

 

[orloffer]

I understand your frustration; chickens never seem to like it when changes are made to their environment, even if the changes are for the better (and we put a lot of hard work into them)! A while back when a new roosting bar was installed in my flock's run, they ignored it completely and insisted on piling onto the small roosting bar that they can hardly all fit on at once. Now, a few months later, they finally use it regularly (though they still prefer the small roosting bar when it gets dark out). And about the dirty rainwater, my Orloff hen seems to prefer it to all the available supplies of clean water too...

Anyways, how many birds do you have? Would you be able to place them one by one into the coop to make sure they all get in and don't roost outside? Hopefully it is just a matter of time, and your birds will get used to the changes in the coop soon.

 

[bhawk-23]

Anyways, how many birds do you have? Would you be able to place them one by one into the coop to make sure they all get in and don't roost outside? Hopefully it is just a matter of time, and your birds will get used to the changes in the coop soon.

My 8 hens have been sleeping outside since last july when we had a really hot spell come through. I didn't think much of it until it became super cold and they didn't move back inside. They lay in the boxes inside the coop and will hang out in there but just prefer the roosts outside. I have placed them in but after 3 nights I just let them stay out. Lol
The younglings learned to sleep in the coop from mama hen so they just stayed inside until now. They are integrating well and all were snuggle up together last night so nice and warm I'm sure. And with the insulation on the coop there is absolutely no drafts, even during the windy day recently. I can sure feel a difference when I walk out after hanging with them inside for a bit.

I am just finding that what absolutely freaks me out they care very little about. Hmmmm... Kinda like my young adult kids