Why Are My Hens Sleeping in the Run?

[Eggspresso]

For over two years, my flock has reliably put themselves to bed in their coop each night, guided by an automatic door. The coop is attached to their run, and theyve never had any issuesuntil recently.

A couple of weeks ago, I started noticing them already in the run when I came out in the morning, before the door had even opened. Thats when I realized they must be sleeping outside. Then, I began catching them still in the run well after sunset, long after the door had closed. Every night, Ive had to physically pick them up and put them in the coop.

They always roost in the same spoton a daytime perch they loveso it seems intentional rather than accidental. The coop itself hasnt changed at all. Theres plenty of bedding, and its always been a comfortable space for them. The strange part is that my head hen, a Cuckoo Marans, appears to be leading this behavior. Ive noticed that when I approach after dark, one hen tries to return to the coop, but the head hen calls her back to the roost in the run.

I cant keep putting them to bed manually, especially in these freezing temperatures (-14C or colder). The run is roofed and predator-proof, except for a small gap near the door that a weasel or similar could potentially squeeze throughanother reason I dont want them staying out overnight.

Does anyone have ideas on what could be causing this behavior and how I can get them back into their routine? I'm stumped!

[RoostRuler]

The gap in the run could be a factor. Even if no predator has gotten in, the hens might sense something trying to. If they feel unsafe in the coop, they may avoid it.

[ClutchCrafter]

Since they're consistently choosing the same outdoor roost, maybe try removing or blocking it off in the evenings to encourage them back into the coop.

[OliviaOrpington]

If you really don't want to keep putting them to bed manually, you could close them in the coop for a couple of nights right before sunset. That might break the cycle.

[GoldenYolkGuy]

You mentioned the temperature dropping,sometimes hens will roost where they feel warmer. If the run is somehow blocking wind better than the coop, they might prefer it.

[Eggcentric]

Since your head hen is leading this behavior, she may feel the run is safer or more comfortable for some reason. Have you checked for ammonia buildup in the coop? Even a faint smell could make them want fresher air.

[BarnyardBeast]

For over two years, my flock has reliably put themselves to bed in their coop each night, guided by an automatic door. The coop is attached to their run, and theyve never had any issuesuntil recently.

A couple of weeks ago, I started noticing them already in the run when I came out in the morning, before the door had even opened. Thats when I realized they must be sleeping outside. Then, I began catching them still in the run well after sunset, long after the door had closed. Every night, Ive had to physically pick them up and put them in the coop.

They always roost in the same spoton a daytime perch they loveso it seems intentional rather than accidental. The coop itself hasnt changed at all. Theres plenty of bedding, and its always been a comfortable space for them. The strange part is that my head hen, a Cuckoo Marans, appears to be leading this behavior. Ive noticed that when I approach after dark, one hen tries to return to the coop, but the head hen calls her back to the roost in the run.

I cant keep putting them to bed manually, especially in these freezing temperatures (-14C or colder). The run is roofed and predator-proof, except for a small gap near the door that a weasel or similar could potentially squeeze throughanother reason I dont want them staying out overnight.

Does anyone have ideas on what could be causing this behavior and how I can get them back into their routine? I'm stumped!

Chickens can be surprisingly stubborn once they get a new habit. You might have to lock them in the coop for a few days at night to reset their routine.

[FeatherAlchemy]

For over two years, my flock has reliably put themselves to bed in their coop each night, guided by an automatic door. The coop is attached to their run, and theyve never had any issuesuntil recently.

A couple of weeks ago, I started noticing them already in the run when I came out in the morning, before the door had even opened. Thats when I realized they must be sleeping outside. Then, I began catching them still in the run well after sunset, long after the door had closed. Every night, Ive had to physically pick them up and put them in the coop.

They always roost in the same spoton a daytime perch they loveso it seems intentional rather than accidental. The coop itself hasnt changed at all. Theres plenty of bedding, and its always been a comfortable space for them. The strange part is that my head hen, a Cuckoo Marans, appears to be leading this behavior. Ive noticed that when I approach after dark, one hen tries to return to the coop, but the head hen calls her back to the roost in the run.

I cant keep putting them to bed manually, especially in these freezing temperatures (-14C or colder). The run is roofed and predator-proof, except for a small gap near the door that a weasel or similar could potentially squeeze throughanother reason I dont want them staying out overnight.

Does anyone have ideas on what could be causing this behavior and how I can get them back into their routine? I'm stumped!

Have you tried offering treats inside the coop before dusk? A little incentive, like scratch or mealworms, might help reinforce where they're supposed to sleep.

[GardenGuru42]

I had a similar issue when my automatic door was closing too soon, trapping some hens outside. Have you double-checked the timing to make sure it's not closing earlier than before?

[FeatheredPhilosopher]

For over two years, my flock has reliably put themselves to bed in their coop each night, guided by an automatic door. The coop is attached to their run, and theyve never had any issuesuntil recently.

A couple of weeks ago, I started noticing them already in the run when I came out in the morning, before the door had even opened. Thats when I realized they must be sleeping outside. Then, I began catching them still in the run well after sunset, long after the door had closed. Every night, Ive had to physically pick them up and put them in the coop.

They always roost in the same spoton a daytime perch they loveso it seems intentional rather than accidental. The coop itself hasnt changed at all. Theres plenty of bedding, and its always been a comfortable space for them. The strange part is that my head hen, a Cuckoo Marans, appears to be leading this behavior. Ive noticed that when I approach after dark, one hen tries to return to the coop, but the head hen calls her back to the roost in the run.

I cant keep putting them to bed manually, especially in these freezing temperatures (-14C or colder). The run is roofed and predator-proof, except for a small gap near the door that a weasel or similar could potentially squeeze throughanother reason I dont want them staying out overnight.

Does anyone have ideas on what could be causing this behavior and how I can get them back into their routine? I'm stumped!

The head hen leading this behavior is interesting. Maybe she's going through a molt or feeling dominant and wants a change. You could try temporarily separating her at night to see if the others go back inside.