why do my hens stomp their roost at night

[hesterken]

I've noticed over the last couple of weeks my hens keep stomping their roost at night. At first thought they we just annoyed at my being in the coop late at night but I noticed it didn't seem to matter if I was inside or outside the coop they just keep stomping their feet all night long. is this some kind of biting insect they are trying to get rid of and if so is there anything I can to to help them get rid of them. I've looked at their legs and underside but don't see anything. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[nzpouter]

mites.. put your hand on their perches when it's dark... see if you feel any crawling....

 

[hesterken]

thanks for the reply, If it is mites how do I treat my hens for mites?

 

[bayouchica]

Could also be mosquitos

 

[Judy]

Mites: 5% Sevin dust, pyrethrin/permethrin spray or powder, ivermectin, or DE.

Leg mites: Vaseline or any kind of oil on the legs, reapply as needed for a month or so. Drowns them.

Here's a thread on leg mites:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=166536

You also need to work on the coop, including roosts. Lots of info int the predators and pests section on mites.

 

[Ziptydoda]

I've noticed over the last couple of weeks my hens keep stomping their roost at night. At first thought they we just annoyed at my being in the coop late at night but I noticed it didn't seem to matter if I was inside or outside the coop they just keep stomping their feet all night long. is this some kind of biting insect they are trying to get rid of and if so is there anything I can to to help them get rid of them. I've looked at their legs and underside but don't see anything. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Mine do that when mosquitoes and gnats bite them. Might want to invest in a screen to cover openings, or essential oil spray that repels them, or a chemical spray that's safe for chickens.