hopingforchickens Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Hi All, it's been a while since I posted but I've had my girls since May, they NEVER take themselves to bed (except on one occasion). I've checked for red mite etc (no chance of that there's nothing for the blighters to feast on ), I've tried a torch inside to entice them in, nothing. The only thing that works is if I put them to bed myself. They have a WIR with a nice high perch which is where they prefer to sleep. In the last few weeks I've been letting them stay out at night more (except when there's fireworks) and they love it, they've upped their egg production and seem very happy. So my question is, is it OK for them to sleep out in the cold/bad weather? I always make sure they have plenty of feed, then some greens, then before bed a good handful of corn to keep them warm. The run is fairly sheltered but not completely water tight (it's under a big fir tree and enclosed on 2.5 sides). I would really appreciate your opinions, thanks... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimnpaula Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 My 3 youngest girls are out on the branch all night every night, even Skye who is moulting quite severely at the moment. I too can only get them to go to bed if I put them in myself. I figure that she has two nice warm friends to cuddle up with, and the wild birds manage perched in trees... If it snows I might be more insistent that they go into one of the houses. P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Mine have a lovely eglu to sleep in but choose to sleep perched up high in the WIR . Even in the deepest snow/howliest winds, they still choose to sleep there! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Redwing Posted November 13, 2011 Share Posted November 13, 2011 Mine are sleeping out too, the roofs of my coops are a disgrace despite being s"Ooops, word censored!"ed weekly Chooks tend to roost at the highest point, where is your coop? if you are very concerned you could raise the coop and lower the perch which may have the desired effect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopingforchickens Posted November 14, 2011 Author Share Posted November 14, 2011 My coop is on a shelf about half a metre off the ground and the perch is about 5.5-6 foot high, I'm not particularly concerned as long as they won't get too cold... and yes the roof of the coop is horrid, gave it a good scrub yesterday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
