Won’t roost

[NowAndHen]

We have 4 Lohmann Brown hens that have been laying for about 5 weeks, we got them about 6 weeks ago. We have a coop with a run attached to it. The problem is, the girls won’t roost in the coop at night, they just huddle in the dirt in the run all night long, and go into the nesting boxes in the coop and lay in the morning. This isn’t a big issue right now, but we live in Canada, and it will certainly be a big problem come November/December when it drops well below freezing at night. We’ve tried luring them in the coop with a light and food/scratch, but they aren’t at all interested. Previously my hens have always instinctively gone to roost as soon as daylight disappears. My question is: should I be concerned they’re in the habit of not roosting at night, or will they eventually head to the coop once it gets cold enough? I just don’t want them to freeze. Thanks in advance!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

Photos of your setup can help us identify potential causes of their aversion.
Are they the only birds housed in the setup now or were they added to an existing flock?

 

[aart]

Photos of your setup can help us identify potential causes of their aversion.
Are they the only birds housed in the setup now or were they added to an existing flock?

Essential questions need answers^^^

....and....Welcome to BYC! @NowAndHen (great screen name!)
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!

 

[NowAndHen]

Essential questions need answers^^^

....and....Welcome to BYC! @NowAndHen (great screen name!)
Here's how to add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, (laptop version shown), then it's always there!
View attachment 1820651

Thanks for the welcome! I’ve now posted my location, so thanks for that as well I’ve attached pictures of the run and coop. The chickens spend a fair amount of time running free in our yard as well. They are the only birds we have at the moment. Again, no aversion to going in the coop to lay, but will not roost. The other night I wrangled them up and kept them in there for the night, hoping they would go in the next night, but they did not.

 

[NowAndHen]

 

[aart]

Coop is too small for 4 birds to roost....and not much ventilation.

Not sure where you added your location
(maybe you didn't scroll down and save?)
but I'm not seeing it.

 

[twendt]

I agree! Made the same mistake in the beginning, I could only put up with my small coop for ONE winter, I built a new coop that summer. 6 girls live in this. Just to give you an idea.

 

[NowAndHen]

It’s strange because I’ve always had 4 birds in this coop and it’s never been an issue before we got these 4 hens. I live in British Columbia Canada - I added it to my profile.