Sleeping outside in freezing weather

[Bartonsfinest]

My two black sex links did the same thing for entire year, my gals only went inside the coop to lay eggs or if was two cold outside. My attached run was predator proof so I didn't make a big deal out of them not wanting to go inside the coop. If your girls are safe let them go. I don't think there is any underlining reason why they don't want to go inside the coop

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

It's hard to tell from the photos on the website but I'd wager there isn't enough ventilation because it looks like there is one window for that. Even if you kept the bottom door open air might not be able to circulate in there so even in a clean coop the ammonia smell overnight would build up. I say this because I had a problem with a similar but smaller coop. I would leave the door to the run open and they had a window in the coop but they would sleep on the roof. Prefab coops are notorious for overestimating the number of chickens that can live in a given space but you are keeping less than half the suggested amount so that's good. They also underestimate the amount of ventilation chickens need. Maybe some pictures of your coop would help. I don't think the mice would be a problem which is why I am wondering about ventilation based on my own experience.

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Thank you, it has to be coming in during the day when I open their run to the big yard. When their run is closed there’s no way anything can get in. They may have even already killed it lol. I hope no mites. I don’t see any but not sure I would?

I have six gals in this coop https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...210107&click_id=4690076279&clickId=4690076279
…but it’s never bothered them before.

The mice could dig under the run, during the day or at night. Are there any tunnels near or around the run.
It sounds likely that they get in during the day, especially if the chickens are out of the run and don't get chance to eat them.
Mites are less than a millimetre big, and can be grey or red, so mite be difficult to spot. Could you check the chickens for mites?

 

[HollowOfWisps]

Thank you, it has to be coming in during the day when I open their run to the big yard. When their run is closed there’s no way anything can get in. They may have even already killed it lol. I hope no mites. I don’t see any but not sure I would?

I have six gals in this coop https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...210107&click_id=4690076279&clickId=4690076279
…but it’s never bothered them before.

It’s never bothered them before because they are now starting to reach full size. That coop is too small for 6 full grown chickens and that is most likely why they are roosting outside for more space.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

My two black sex links did the same thing for entire year, my gals only went inside the coop to lay eggs or if was two cold outside. My attached run was predator proof so I didn't make a big deal out of them not wanting to go inside the coop. If your girls are safe let them go. I don't think there is any underlining reason why they don't want to go inside the coop

Thanks so much, I keep thinking if they get cold enough, they’ll go in. But I worry. Lol

 

[KimbosKluckers]

It's hard to tell from the photos on the website but I'd wager there isn't enough ventilation because it looks like there is one window for that. Even if you kept the bottom door open air might not be able to circulate in there so even in a clean coop the ammonia smell overnight would build up. I say this because I had a problem with a similar but smaller coop. I would leave the door to the run open and they had a window in the coop but they would sleep on the roof. Prefab coops are notorious for overestimating the number of chickens that can live in a given space but you are keeping less than half the suggested amount so that's good. They also underestimate the amount of ventilation chickens need. Maybe some pictures of your coop would help. I don't think the mice would be a problem which is why I am wondering about ventilation based on my own experience.

Sorry, I should have mentioned I added a lot more ventilation…there’s also a window on the backside that is open when it’s not blowing snow.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

The mice could dig under the run, during the day or at night. Are there any tunnels near or around the run.
It sounds likely that they get in during the day, especially if the chickens are out of the run and don't get chance to eat them.
Mites are less than a millimetre big, and can be grey or red, so mite be difficult to spot. Could you check the chickens for mites?

It’s possible they can dig, I don’t see tunnels and the apron is 17” out. I checked the girls for mice as one was molting and I was worried. I don’t see a thing.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

It’s never bothered them before because they are now starting to reach full size. That coop is too small for 6 full grown chickens and that is most likely why they are roosting outside for more space.

I was waiting for this…I believe it’s room enough to just sleep at night…they were also full grown 2 weeks ago and were just fine. There’s 16’ of roost in there and less in their run. They all huddle together on the same bar when they roost outside.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Here’s how they have been sleeping at night.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

I was waiting for this…I believe it’s room enough to just sleep at night…they were also full grown 2 weeks ago and were just fine. There’s 16’ of roost in there and less in their run. They all huddle together on the same bar when they roost outside.

Both your coop and run size are too small for 6 chickens in general. Just because chickens are sleeping does not mean they do not need adequate space in the coop. Your run is more open feeling compared to your coop and feels bigger to them that is why they are out there. Them all scooting together on one roost is not an indicator that they have enough space it is just what chickens always do regardless.