They won't go into the coop at night

[DickGJ]

@ maclady -- mine do the same thing. They all go to one corner of the coop and jockey for the best position until they appear to be one big clump all grouped together tightly. It's funny how they always go to the same corner of the coop (front left side). I placed a couple on the roost the night before and three stayed up there through the night. Last night I placed 7 up on the roosting bars and eventually they all jumped back down to the floor cause they thought they might be missing some of the "fun" the others were having together in the corner of the floor. I'm thinking the roosting things comes with age and experience and am fairly confident they'll accomplish that goal too! I find it interesting as to how loud they "chirp" as it grows darker before going into the coop...it's like they're rounding each other up! It's a racket and a riot! I think raising chickens does something to the human brain...I'm beginning to feel obsessed with them and their behavior!

 

[bailey'smama]

I had the same problem. My hens had been going into the coop to sleep at night with no problems, and then one day, they just weren't. After posting a stake-out near the coop the next night, I found out the problem. One of my Buff hens would chase all of the other hens and chicks out of the coop - she just wouldn't let them come in. I grabbed her and stuck her in solitary confinement (my extra unused coop) for a night and that seemed to solve the problem. Is it possible you have a bully in your midst?

 

[DickGJ]

Hmmm...I'm going to have to put on my "Sherlock Holmes" hat and start sleuthing!

 

[Skookumcycles]

I am new to this Chicken thing, I have 8 Black Copper Marans at 8 weeks old, they do not go in at night. They end up under the coop and complain, I used to put them in when they are in full complaint mode but now I wait until the are sleeping, way easier to catch when groggy, and funnier! I tried the light and now I have locked them in for a few days, makes me feel like a bad chicken Dad, so I'm going to let them out today and hope for the best.

If they don't go in should I just lock them up again for even longer, a week maybe? treats didn't work either.