Change in behavior

[gardenrue7]

Hello, everyone! New chicken owner here.

We have four hens, all 21 weeks old. None laying yet.

The last two nights, one of the hens tries to roost on the top of the coop instead of going inside with the others. We get her down and put her inside, but I’m wondering if this is concerning? Is there anything we should be checking for to make sure she’s alright?

Thank you for your help!

 

[sourland]

I'd check to make sure there are not red mites in the coop. They hide in cracks and crevices and come out at night.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Posting photos and measurements on your coop may help too. What was sufficient when they were younger may no longer be spacious enough, well ventilated enough, etc. when they're older, especially as pecking order becomes more pronounced.

 

[Mrs. K]

Is this a pre-fab coop? They are notoriously too small for most adult chickens.

 

[ChicNmom]

She could be getting picked on and deciding to sleep outside.
I usually check my chickens over at bedtime and occasionally end up re arranging any who are causing problems.