Stubborn hens

[arroslingr67]

I am at a loss, I have 14 hens and for a year and a half I have let them free roam during the day and then put them up in their house and run at night. In the last few weeks they have decided to start roosting in a pine tree and will not go to the run at night. I leave the door open to the run and they continue to lay in the hen house. I have tried everything short of cutting down the tree. Does anyone have any idea what started this behavior and how I could correct it. I know the coyotes are going to start eating them if I can't get them in the run at night.

 

[sourland]

Check and determine that the coop is not mite infested. Is the coop well ventilated and not too hot? Try getting them hungry and then enticing them all into the run. Lock them in the coop/run for a week or so and hopefully they will once again start roosting inside. You are right to be concerned about predators.

 

[arroslingr67]

Have not seen any evidence of mites but I will check them out again. Very well ventilated, windows on both sides for cross vent. Thanks for the help I will try the hunger thing and see how it works.

 

[sourland]

Check the corners of the coop, all cracks and crevices - red mites hide during the day and come out at night to feed. One indication of mites in the coop is birds 'tapping' their feet on roosts.

 

[enola]

Check the hens with a flashlight. Look at their vents and under their wings. Red mites will not be on your chickens during he day.