why would they change

[Keith13]

My chickens have now decided they no longer want to sleep in the coop at night. They would rather sleep out in the yard or on the fence. What would make them change where they have slept for the last two years?

thoughts??

 

[hennible]

Interesting... I've had the odd chicken from time to time decide they were going to sleep somewhere else but not my whole flock.

 

[krista74]

I've heard of flocks doing this when their roosts have become over-run with red mites. They get bitten so furiously that they are not inclined to go back to the roost.

I would recommend waiting until dark and wiping a damp piece of white paper towel on the under-sides of the roosting poles, and across any gaps and joins. If you have red mites, they should be quite visible on the white paper towel, and then you can start treatment if required.

It's a starting point anyway.

- Krista

 

[Keith13]

Thank you I will do that tonight