Stopped going up to their roost

[clinkski]

For the past 2 nights, my chickens have not gone up to their roost but rather stayed outside on a perch in their enclosed coop. TUp until this point, they have always gone up for the night. They go up in the morning to visit the nest boxes but have stopped going in at night. What gives? How can I get them to go back up for the night. I have plastic sheeting covering the hardware cloth but it’s pretty nippy right now in Vermont and I’m sure they would be toastier in their roosting area. Any suggestions/ideas are much appreciated.

 

[Pinky]

My chickens did the same thing. One random day they decided my air conditioner looked like a nice place to sleep

 

[Cat Water]

mine used to do things like that too. Just go out there every evening and put them on the roost until they get the idea that you want them to sleep on the roost. I wouldn't let them sleep outside even if it was warm because if predators can smell them outside, they are more likely to try to get in. You don't want that.

 

[xsiq]

I am having this same problem. After a year of roosting, last night one girl slept on the floor of the coop. Tonight, she is still on the floor and another went into the laying box. You are suggesting that I "force" them up? Thank you for any advice.