Unsecure chicken perches

[wannabe smallholder]

After the first night when I had to help the girls to bed they have had no problem in taking themselves off to bed, gradually getting earlier as the nights draw in. But two nites ago that all stopped. Doris began to lay two days ago and I wondered if that could have changed things somehow as she went to bed but the others didn't. That happened twice and then tonight none of them got themselves in. Trying to think of reasons why. Obvious one would be red mite. I have looked carefully and can't see any signs; the coop is plastic, its only four weeks old and has been smothered in smite powder since day one so would be really concerned if infested already. Can anyone else shed any light on the behaviour of my daft but adorable girls? Xx

[merlina]

In my (admittedly limited) experience, hens are a bit like teenagers - they get ideas about what their bedtime should be and take some persuading otherwise sometimes!

Mine usually go in OK, but some evenings (particularly light ones) they develop very strong views that it's still playtime

[wannabe smallholder]

I have an 8 year old like that! Will keep popping them back in and hope they go back to their old routine again. Fingers crossed! Xx