What do you think is going on with my chickens...

[Jen4]

Thanks for your advice guys... hopefully its just the light thing... need to figure out something for that one, Dh said he was not going to run electricity to the coop sooooo I need to see what I can do. I really hope its not about a snake, mites or rat

 

[write2caroline]

I use a solar light I got from walmart for $5. It actually lights all night. I do have to remember to take it out each morning and pop it in the ground - It has a spike on the bottom. Every night I pop it back into the coop. I have to go out to raise and lower the ladder anyway.

cal
Jax FL

 

[Jen4]

We do have solar lights in our yard... I'll grab some of those tonight and put in the coop to see what happens... Thanks

 

[Guinea Goonie]

I use a 60 watts energy saver light bulb in the barn.

It is not real bright, but if a chook falls from its roost it can see to get back up. Also, they like the idea that they can see what is on the floor of the barn. I have caught a few on the floor getting a drink in the wee hours.

I also use a radio and they just sleep right through the music.

 

[Judy]

In case you didn't know, be sure you check after dark for lice/mites or their eggs; some types are only on the birds at dark. This would actually be my guess, since they used to go in, then stopped, and those pesky little critters are everywhere. Fleas from mice are another possibility. Or just pick up some poultry dust from the feed store and start dusting everywhere.

 

[lalaland]

um, yeah, ddawn is right about checking for the mites (and those other critters too). You can search "mites" and find how to check for them..
let us know how it goes!

 

[CocoNUT]

I have to put my four 'ladies' to bed EVERY NIGHT! Those little stinkers sit up on a little table I have in their run. We have a lighted pathway to their coop that comes on at dusk and provides light INSIDE their coop! I have not been able to find any mites/fleas or anything and they seem perfectly HAPPY to have me come out every night and 'put them to bed'. I've gotten to the point where it's just our 'routine'. I guess I'm their rooster!
Would LOVE any suggestions as what it could be tho! They let themselves OUT in the mornings....so I'm thinking they just like their 'nite-nite' routine!

 

[Jen4]

Alright I put 3 solar lights in the coop just now and there are chickens in the coop and then theres the ones that are ALREADY getting on the rabbit hutch

I'm going to go look up mites

 

[LoreenH]

Quote:
It sounds like they have you well trained....lol.

 

[Judy]

here's one good thread about mites and lice:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=226143