The Great Rebellion Without A Cause

[u/AvantGardenGallery]

For years, my chickens and I, had a good thing going. At dusk, they go into to their coop, which fits more chickens than exist right now(some have passed RIP).

For whatEVER reason the bantam rooster started to sleep outside on the roof of the coop instead. He is in an enclosed area gated off from predators, so it’s fine to let him stay there. However, it’s about to get COLD (already chilly) and I need him inside where it’s warm.

After a week or so of putting him inside after dark…. A second female bantam joins him?!?! They continue this for a week, now three weeks into this, a THIRD chicken have joined the rebellion... my oliveegger!

I’ve done the following:

A) checked for mites, no one has any pests, and no red coop mites or whatever, I’ve done the tape test and have been scoping out the coop at night, nothing.

B) made sure no bullying is happening (my bantam rooster is actually in charge and bullies all the hens, but generous about sharing snacks… if that makes any sense).

C) have a camera aimed at the coop to see if we get visitors. So far nothing, but the camera is a bit old, and could have missed something.

I’m all out of ideas of what it could be. If it’s a rodent then surely it would go for the food and not harass my sleepy chickens?

First pic is the lil man that started this whole thing. Second pic is from tonight, when three chickens decided to stay outside the coop.

If anyone has any ideas or suggestions, please share them. I’m so sick of carrying chickens into the coop late at night, when I’m tired and ready for bed.

[u/Alarming-Canary2684]

Hoohoho yeah chicken are the perfect example of "monkey see monkey do".

As to why ? Bite me... It could be being on the look out for something they saw. Trauma after an attack inside the coop. Something bothering them inside said coop... Or just being contrary little sh!ts. Do a deep clean and put fresh bedding and see if they are going back in. If not, I'd say try keeping them locked inside for a day or two with plenty of food and water 

[u/AvantGardenGallery → u/Alarming-Canary2684]

That’s EXACTLY what I’ve done today, I did a deep deep clean, sprayed some oils into the wood… put down new hay I’ve just bought from a local farm store, and sprinkled some mint and lemon balm leaves inside to be extra fancy. And behold - THREE rebels!

I’m seriously out of ideas and hoping someone can think of something. I don’t know what you mean by lock them in, they are in an enclosed space with plenty of room and two coops to choose from (everyone sleeps in the bigger coop together).

[u/Alarming-Canary2684 → u/AvantGardenGallery]

Hmmm what's the orientation of your coop(s). Which way are the doors facing ? North ? South? That could be that (they are birds at the end of the day)

And by lock them in, I meant put them inside one of the coop (the bigger for example) and not letting them out in the morning 

[u/AvantGardenGallery → u/Alarming-Canary2684]

Coop is in the south, but sun sets behind the house which blocks it. I’m willing to try the locking in idea, but just wondering that does that accomplish?

[u/Alarming-Canary2684 → u/AvantGardenGallery]

It forces the "it's home" idea in their T-rex brain 😆 that's the same process that's used when you introduce new chickens in a coop to make them understand that it's a safe cosy place and that they should sleep THERE

[u/oopsalloutof_fcks]

Can you block off the top of the coop for a spell? Also if you have a light, on a timer that can go inside and shut off just after dark? If there’s a porch light on or something chickens will naturally try and stay where a light source is.

I have ducks too. I almost always at least have to tell them to go to bed. But the light inside the coop is helpful!

[u/AvantGardenGallery → u/oopsalloutof_fcks]

Great idea! I’ve heard of this but have not tried it. Thought it was for like young chickens, these guys are senior citizens. Oliveegger is 7, bantam hen is 8 or maybe even 9, and rooster is like 3 or 4.

[u/Ironrooster7]

They just do that sometimes. Mine do this in the summer and fall. When it gets too cold, they all begrudgingly go inside lol.