[Towey]

Advice needed please!!!
I've had my chooks for 2 months and they normally go back to the house at dusk, however for the last week they won't go to bed and are choosing to sleep anywhere but their hen house (wheelie bins, patio furniture etc). We keep putting them back in the house at night but then the next night they do the same again. Any advice as to why they are doing this and what I can do to stop it.
Thanks
xx

[Trillium]

I'm no expert but it sounds like there's something about their house which they don't like. Perhaps it's too hot or airless, or a roof leak, or unsuitable bedding or perches, or there are pest problems inside the house. Chickens might not be smart but they're not stupid.

[Kate and her Ducks]

Check for red mite too as this can make them very uncomfortable when they come out at night to feed on them.

[joyfull]

Agree with Kate check for red mite, go in there when its dark and switch on a torch as red mite come out at night to feed on your chickens 

[Towey]

Thanks, I've treated the house for red mites and other pests so hopefully this will work, they didn't go to bed tonight themselves but hopefully now its treated they'll realise it's safe again. I'll keep you all posted.

[Towey]

More help needed please!! Chooks still not going to bed at dusk despite treating the hen house for mites, any other suggestions???

[BrianK]

Okay  checked for redmites heat  and all other things  but it isnt working for my kids either.

They insist on staying up watching TV playing games on pc's  etc.

I am hoping solving the chicken issue will help with younglings  too.

[NigelB]

More help needed please!! Chooks still not going to bed at dusk despite treating the hen house for mites, any other suggestions???

My guess is that they may have been scared in there by a predator or something. Maybe a Fox or a Cat, or even a Hedgehog.
Can you lock them in at night for a few nights making sure any predator can't get in? It may help if you can.

[Paul Plots]

We have the same problem with one or two or more of the children at school 

Our answer is = Take away their tvs for a few nights!! 

[BrianK]

OK  took the TV  out th chicken coop.  You should have heard them squawk.

[SMD66]

is there any possibility of rats or mice getting in and disturbing them through the night? (the hens- not the kids) 

[Towey]

The house and run is very secure so nothing can get in but guess something could have scared them from outside. Think I'll lock them in for a few days to refamiliarise themselves and not let them free range. Thanks for all your help.

[richyrich7]

Make sure there's enough ventilation for them , and re check for mites 

[themagicaltoad1]

OK  took the TV  out th chicken coop.  You should have heard them squawk.

watch out or they'll be phoning chickenline next!

[Paul Plots]

OK  took the TV  out th chicken coop.  You should have heard them squawk.

Same reaction as the children then..... "squawk"