Morning all,
I have had 2 chickens for the past 3 1/2 years and they both get along fine together. They have 4 friends from a neighbouring farm and they will come and find one another when they are let out of their respective coops each morning. They also get along fine with their 'friends'. They have acres of field to explore with constant access to food and water at all times. Suddenly, over the past few days 1 of my chickens has taken to sleeping in my neighbours coop. My coop is the same style as theirs, it is clean, free from draughts, has a supply of food and water etc etc.
The first time I was aware of this is when she didn't come home one evening. I had a good look round for her but when she couldn't be found, I put it down to a fox getting her.
They day after she appeared with her friends and carried on as though nothing had happened. I phoned my neighbour who confirmed they had 1 more in the coop the previous evening. I asked that when they closed their coop that evening , could they oust mine (hoping that she would find her way back).
On the 2nd evening I left my closing up until a bit later in the evening and still there was only 1 chicken. It was late, so I didn't phone my neighbour.
Last night (3rd evening) still 1 chicken in the coop. It was late again, but I did phone my neighbour who agreed to oust my chicken. She called across the field that separates us that my chook was on her way back............15 mins later she still hadn't arrived. I phoned the neighbour again, who looked out of her back window to find my chook sitting on top of her coop. I went to fetch her and physically carried her back to my coop.
I realise this is quite a long post, but has anyone any idea how to teach my chicken that her home is in my coop and not the neighbours? Would keeping her in the coop for a couple of days work?
I look forward to your suggestions.......thanks