[bartonflyer]

So I bought one earlier this year  and fitted it, works a treat - does exactly what it says on the tin!!

But now one chicken has developed a fascinating behaviour pattern

We have 5 chooks - a Cochin, 2 buff Orpingtons, a Warren (rescue hen) and a Light Sussex, it's the Light Sussex who seems to have learned the new behaviour.

As the evening approaches, the usual preening starts and the little flock make their way to the house and usually all go in, sometime the Light Sussex doesn't, and sometimes she comes out again. Then, the light gets such that the door closes with the silly girl outside. She then makes her way to the french windows at the back of our house and taps on the glass making a plaintive rosey as well.

She almost leaps into your arms and seems to be delighted to be carried to the house and put inside then all is well. She's not being pecked or bullied by the others so I'm at a loss to understand why she's started doing this - if it were a toddler I'd call it attention seeking 

Any thoughts?

[min200]

I think your chook knows exactly how to play you!!

[ehs284]

Agree. You've been chooked.
During this cold weather, I've been ignoring the automatic closer on the door and closing it myself when tucking them in for the night. They have a side door which is the last thing I close, so any can get in there whilst I'm sorting out after closing the pop hole. Most do, but one stands on the ramp waiting for me to re-open the door. She's intelligent and knows exactly how to manipulate humans. Last year the whole 15 dived under the neighbour's gate and invaded his workshop. He chased them out. They then lined up at his gate (the one they'd got under before) and made lots of noise until he came out and opened the gate for them. Tinkers!

[Flowerpower136]

We have one who likes to loiter round the doorway, though she usually gets herself on the rightside of it before it shuts.
They do occasionally get shut out.  Usually as the earlier nights kick in, or if they've been distracted by something, eg later than usual corn ration.
Maybe try adjusting the whatsit so that it shuts a little later. Might just be that the timing doesn't suit her body clock!

[Pertelotte]

Your predicament chilled me to the core as I will soon not be able to come home before dark.

The only solution I can think of is to have one of those automatic feeders (for cats and dogs) filled with desirable goodies. Set it to open before your closer closes so your girl who is probably dedicated to her digestive system rushes in to not miss out and gets caught.

Of course this is theory.

Alternatively take comfort that she loves you and simply wants a good night cuddle before bedtime. Just as when you come home to find they're rushing down the front path (where they should not be in the first place) to greet you.