mags56 Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 My four hens have until recently been perfectly happy to put themselves to bed in their cube. But for some reason they have decided that they would prefer to sleep on their "mezzanine" (shelf in the run) instead. I have checked their house for mites or other creepies and found nothing.... what could be putting them off and should I worry? I have been putting them in the cube once they have settled on their mezzanine and think they then stay there. I do worry about them getting cold if the weather turns or wet if it rains heavily (although there is a roof above the run). Any help gratefully received! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 I have a couple who prefer to sleep al fresco. They seem perfectly happy and I'm sure it is weather related. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Mine are nearly all sleeping out at the moment If it rains though they soon find their way inside the coop ok Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jaspersmum Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 I wouldn't worry about this at all - our first flock did this and our remaining original chook has taught the newbies the same trick. They slept out almost until the first snow last year then suddenly started putting themselves to bed again when they were ready. We don't seem to have any problems with early morning noise from them. Chickens... curious creatures! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 All 5 (until recently 6) of mine choose to sleep al fresco too . Makes cleaning the eglu a lot easier . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnandkymberley Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 My 3 newbies do this too, i am quite worried they are seperating themselves as they do go into the cube but then come out when the old girls go in?! but im sure your all right when its raining or its too cold they will go back in xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 Mine didn't, even when we had 4 feet of snow . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hammy72 Posted July 24, 2011 Share Posted July 24, 2011 any tips for getting them in to their coop though as when I get mine I don't want to leave eglu door open at night even if the run is secure... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mags56 Posted July 24, 2011 Author Share Posted July 24, 2011 OOh thanks for those comments. I'm so happy it's nothing to worry about... I shall leave them to it then!!! It's hard to understand when they have such a beautiful house to sleep in! Reply to Hammy72 : I leave their door open at this time of the year because it is so mild but also (and more to the point!) they will be crying to come out at about 4.30am......and although I love my girls, i also love my bed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopingforchickens Posted July 25, 2011 Share Posted July 25, 2011 Mine all try to roost outside, I'm putting them to bed around 10pm, tempted to start leaving them out, but then if they have a visitor in the night who manages to get in I'd feel devastated... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
