Sleeping outside in freezing weather

[KimbosKluckers]

My gals (8 months old) are starting to roost outside their coop even in snowy/cold weather. This just started a couple weeks ago, they used to always coop up. Nothing has changed except the weather. Their run is completely predator proof. Is this normal? I even put a light in their coop since I read that maybe my solar lights keep them out. I put them in manually a couple times and they run right back out. Thanks!

 

[talkinboutchickens]

I would say it's the lights that they don't like because it doesn't seem like there's anything else that would make them not want to roost at night in their coop. Maybe it's too bright for them and it disrupts their sleep? They are probably used to sleeping in the dark and maybe that's why they are roosting outside. I would take out the solar lights and see what happens. After a few days, if that doesn't work, inform us and we'll try to brainstorm what else it could be

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I would say it's the lights that they don't like because it doesn't seem like there's anything else that would make them not want to roost at night in their coop. Maybe it's too bright for them and it disrupts their sleep? They are probably used to sleeping in the dark and maybe that's why they are roosting outside. I would take out the solar lights and see what happens. After a few days, if that doesn't work, inform us and we'll try to brainstorm what else it could be

Well, I only put the light in days AFTER they started this. It’s just a small string of Christmas type lights. I thought they’d like that for the 2 hours at dusk. Since it didn’t work I kept them off the past few nights. Occasionally one or two will go in but the other 4-5 huddle outside. It’s brighter outside than in the coop. Thanks for reply!!

 

[triciayoung]

I don't think it is the lights. I would take a really good look at the coop for mice, holes, mites, etc

 

[KimbosKluckers]

I don't think it is the lights. I would take a really good look at the coop for mice, holes, mites, etc

I’ve checked. I actually cleaned it completely a few weeks back with new shavings. I didn’t notice any bugs or rodent droppings, nothing. My first thought was something wrong with the bedding because that’s when it started…but it’s the other half of the same bag of shavings I used a month or two prior..before I cleaned it out, it was filthy with poop and now it’s clean still because they only go in to lay eggs. Hmmm


EDIT…I just inspected again, found super tiny mouse droppings However I’ve seen them kill huge mice. Would they be afraid?

 

[OrpingtonManic]

Sometimes, mites can cause them not to want to roost inside. What is your coop made out of? What bedding do you use?
Does the coop have good ventilation?
How often do you clean the coop? There could be ammonia, caused by the droppings, and that might make them want to roost outside.

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Sometimes, mites can cause them not to want to roost inside. What is your coop made out of? What bedding do you use?
Does the coop have good ventilation?
How often do you clean the coop? There could be ammonia, caused by the droppings, and that might make them want to roost outside.

It’s a pre fab coop with wood and stain. I use pine shavings and always have. I was cleaning in summer every few weeks thoroughly and daily poop scoops. No smell or dampness anywhere, no leaks. A lot of ventilation. But I did just find tiny mouse droppings. However they usually kill mice so I’m lost.

 

[OrpingtonManic]

It’s a pre fab coop with wood and stain. I use pine shavings and always have. I was cleaning in summer every few weeks thoroughly and daily poop scoops. No smell or dampness anywhere, no leaks. A lot of ventilation. But I did just find tiny mouse droppings. However they usually kill mice so I’m lost.

Mites could hide in the wood of the coop.
I've read that rodents may scare the chickens at night, and as chickens are nearly blind in the darkness they may get spooked.

 

[HollowOfWisps]

You mentioned pre-fab, how many chickens are in there and what are the coop dimensions? How big is the roost in there?

 

[KimbosKluckers]

Mites could hide in the wood of the coop.
I've read that rodents may scare the chickens at night, and as chickens are nearly blind in the darkness they may get spooked.

Thank you, it has to be coming in during the day when I open their run to the big yard. When their run is closed there’s no way anything can get in. They may have even already killed it lol. I hope no mites. I don’t see any but not sure I would?

You mentioned pre-fab, how many chickens are in there and what are the coop dimensions? How big is the roost in there?

I have six gals in this coop https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/p...210107&click_id=4690076279&clickId=4690076279
…but it’s never bothered them before.