ladybirdbeads Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi I got my chickens in November and until recently they were happy to go into their eglu when it got dark, but lately they have taken to roosting on a fence and have to be persuaded to go to bed. The eglu is clean and nothing lurking in there so I can't understand the problem. I have two hens Hannah a blue laced Wyandotte and Mary a brown Leghorn. This is the first time I have used this (or any) forum and I have probably put this in the wrong place, if so sorry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hen Watch Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi and welcome to the forum. Sounds a bit odd really doens't it, especially since they've been with you a while and happily using their home previously. Red mite are very good at hiding in cracks and can't always been easily seen. So it may be worth blasting the eglu with redmite powder just as a precaution as that might be making them not want to go to bed. What time do they roost up on the fence? I was just thinking it may be worth shutting them in their run (if you have an elgu run that is) a few hours beforehand so that at least they are in the right place and can't flap off to a fence. Obviously if you have a stand alone eglu in an open run that's not going to help. Sorry I can't be more help, sure others will come along soon with more advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hi Ladybirdbeads and welcome to the forum . I agree with Henwatch, it does sound like there's something in the eglu they're not keen on . Do you have the wooden or plastic roosting bars? Do you use redmite powder already? Don't know what else it might be . You'd think they'd want to be indoors in this weather . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Welcome to the forum. Assuming that there are no beasties lurking in the eglu, why not confine them to the run for a few days to break the habit they have developed, or lure them into the run before dark, so that they have nowhere to perch, other than on the roosting bars. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Plum Posted February 8, 2009 Share Posted February 8, 2009 Hello, welcome to the forum. They are just having fun with you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladybirdbeads Posted February 12, 2009 Author Share Posted February 12, 2009 Thank you all so much for your much appreciated advice. We have started to put them into their run before bedtime as suggested and this is working fine especially when they are bribed with some 'sweeties' dried mealworms that is! We have the plastic roosting bars. I haven't used any redmite powder because I didn't really want to use any if it was not necessary. They seem to go into the eglu from the run quite happily on their new regime so I don't think there are any red mites. I think the idea that they are having a bit of fun is the right one. They are getting us very well trained with their treats despite the fact that they have yet to pay us back with an egg. Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dora Posted February 12, 2009 Share Posted February 12, 2009 Yes, I definitely think they have a laugh sometimes ! Our two can go for months going to bed in their eglu and then for some reason they take to going to bed down the side of the conservatory which is about 12 - 18 inches away from the fence ! When calling and coaxing them doesn't work I then have to squeeze down the gap and physically try and pick them up! which of course they let me do cos then they are carried to bed !! I ask you they're not daft are they ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chillicat Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 Hmmmm they will try anything for treats Just on the Redmite powder...I have plastic roosting bars and swoosh some Redmite powder in for good luck! Smells good too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catherinej Posted February 13, 2009 Share Posted February 13, 2009 I am having the same problem at the moment. I have a walk in run with lots of perches for them and also have 4 lodgers at the moment. The lodgers are Sumatras, who are flighty and have always slept outside (lucky as I only have one eglu and 8 chickens at the moment!). My 2 new girls and my pekin have recently followed suit and all now perch on the same branch together! My original Miss Pepperpot is in the eglu alone! I am now fed up of having to put them in the eglu every night and so have left them outside tonight! I think if they are silly enought to want to sleep there then they will have to put up with the cold! Maybe once they realise how cold it gets they will be back in the aglu tomorrow night! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ladybirdbeads Posted February 16, 2009 Author Share Posted February 16, 2009 I am so glad I am not alone in this problem. I think maybe my husband has solved this problem now, he has put bamboo sticks through the fence to stop them roosting there although my smaller leghorn Mary did try to squeeze between, but Hannah the wyandotte stands no chance as she is too fat. Off to buy more treats! Carol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
