[superhoop]

As I am new to keeping chickens, is it normal for chickens to roost outside the chicken house during the summer.

I put a large old wooden step ladder, I found on the allotment, in the run just to give them something to sit on. I noticed as soon as I put them in, they liked to climb on any thing. Since the evenings have been warm they have taken to roosting on it.

I did a lot of research before I got the chickens but I didn't come across this behaviour. Its interesting to see the pecking order coming into play when you see who gets the top of the ladder.

[Aunt Sally]

Chicken's natural roost is in trees so it's not surprising that they will roost outside when the weather is warm.

It is not desirable though as Mr Fox may get an easy meal  :cry: Put them into their house at night and make sure it is secure against predators.  

Do check that they are not staying outside because of a red mite infestation though !

[mdueal]

I think it must be temperature related as ours have been doing the same!