What would cause this abnormal behavior?

[SpeckledPullet]

Tonight 3 of my hens were outside of their coop and the other 3 were huddled as far away from their roost/perches as possible. Normally, they are ALL jammed together ontop of their perches. So, what could cause this behavior? We did have a sudden drop in temps. Could that have caused it or should I start looking out for something more serious?

 

[Imp]

Look for predators hiding in the coop. Rats, Snakes etc.

Imp

 

[fiberart57]

I'm with Imp. Something scared them out of the house.

Also check for mites on them and in the cracks in the perches and house. Mites hide in the cracks during the day and come out at night to feast on your birds. If you have them, you'll need to treat both the birds and the house.

Mary

 

[MareeZoCool]

Double-check your walls, make sure NOTHING can get inside to scare them after dark. I had a problem with racoons scratching on the outside walls, DH eliminated him. & we moved the coop. Now everyone is happy to go home.