Strange Chickens

[dewdropsinwv]

I have some of the strangest chickens!!! I just came in from locking up my chickens, but I had to force them into the coop again! These birds will stay out in the pouring rain, snow sleet ect. But lately I have had to pick them up and put them in the coop so I can lock it. Any idea's why they are refusing to go in at night?

 

[so lucky]

I have some of the strangest chickens!!! I just came in from locking up my chickens, but I had to force them into the coop again! These birds will stay out in the pouring rain, snow sleet ect. But lately I have had to pick them up and put them in the coop so I can lock it. Any idea's why they are refusing to go in at night?

There's something in there they don't like. Could be uncomfortably hot, cold, lack of oxygen, a cold wind on them, wet straw, a mouse or snake in the nest box, too dark to see where the roosts are, a possum hiding in the corner. ??

 

[MontyJ]

I had to shoo them in the other night too. The coop is dry, but unheated. It's warmer than outside though. There are no snakes or varmints in the coop. We don't use straw and the bedding is clean. I think they don't like the shorter days and just want to be outside...like me

 

[dewdropsinwv]

Well I'm on my way back out to see if I can find anything hiding in there. If not I don't know what could be going on. I haven't seen anything out of the ordinary. I am in and out of the coop everyday

 

[MontyJ]

Maybe we should get them a nightlight

 

[dewdropsinwv]

Maybe we should get them a nightlight

Maybe they got used to the heat lamps????

 

[so lucky]

Could there be one particular chicken that is trying to keep the rest of them out? Maybe one going broody that wants the whole coop to herself?

 

[dewdropsinwv]

Don't think so.... they are all outside!!! I can get most of them in with some food, but there is always one or two I have to pick up and put in the coop.

 

[MontyJ]

I don't think so Lucky. They all stay together pretty much. This is something they have just started doing. I don't know what they would do if it got pitch dark, but they are staying out later than they used too. We are putting them in just before full dark, when they are usually already in.
Dew, did you give them anything special to eat this evening? If so, that may be it. Try giving them their evening snack a bit earlier. I'll look into it when I get home later this week.

 

[dewdropsinwv]

I gave them some rasins before dark. have some stuff to give them tomorrow evening....lettuce, tomatoes and some chicken pieces