Suddenly roosting outside

[sarahbar8]

We have 6 hens. They have all been roosting reliably in the coop for nearly a year. 2 Cochins are youngest/lowest in the pecking order. It took a while to get them to sleep in the coop and they still lay their eggs on the coop floor instead of the nesting boxes- I think the older girls won't let them in the nesting boxes, but still- roosting inside at night for a year until now. The 2 Cochins have been roosting outside on the top of part of the run the past week and we have to move them inside to close the door for the night. We kept them closed up in the coop for a couple of days to remind them where to sleep. I also cleaned out some cobwebs and freshened up their litter. I see no evidence of any pests in the coop, which is raised a couple of feet off the ground. This morning we let them all out again and then tonight the Cochins, PLUS 3 other hens all roosted outside!!! We moved them in and I guess I'll make them all stay in the coop for a couple of days again? My husband thinks the coming solar eclipse is making them act weird? Could that be right? The weather has been particularly hot and humid here but the coop is well ventilated. Any ideas??

 

[orrpeople]

I have a bit of this going on right now as well. For me, I have a young cockerel who is trying to establish his own flock at night, leading them up. But, also it does seem that the hot weather brings this behavior out of them. Just keep putting them back in at night and they'll get the hint. Usually it takes a few days of consistent "No, we don't sleep up here folks, it's not safe" and they start to get the picture.
That said, do continue (like you are already doing) to check the coop for things that might be "off" for them. You might want to put a thermometer in there to see just how hot it's getting (some folks w humid weather use a hygrometer too).
Best of luck!

 

[abraga]

Have u recently changed anything in the coop? New feeders..new roosts..any sort of rearranging? Maybe varmints visiting the coop at night? Any sign of rats? Maybe something is making them feel it's not safe? Or have u added a new chicken?

 

[aart]

My husband thinks the coming solar eclipse is making them act weird? Could that be right?

Not likely.
I'm betting some or all are molting or getting ready to molt.
They can get crabby during molt and the new pin feathers can be 'uncomfortable',
so some may not want to roost with the crowd.