[jaxon]

Good morning all..ok..we introduced more girls to our existing hens and now have 6 black rock,4 rhode island,2 white star,4 white susex and 4 silver links..all well and good only the 10 new arrivals wont roost in there coup at night.They did initially for a few nights but now they choose to sleep in branches and perches which we have provided in their fully enclosed run....will they ever return to there coup at night...we have two large coups and origional hens turn in at night but the new ones will not...is this normal There are no signs of red mite etc..  thank you...Mark

[ehs284]

Not unusual for new arrivals to want to sleep away from the old group. Things can get rough on those perches. I'd suggest just leave them to get to know each other and sort out a pecking order. It may take two or three months, but they will sort it out themselves.

[joyfull]

if you aren't shutting them away for the night then please make sure they are safe from foxes, mink etc.

[ANHBUC]

Welcome to the site Mark.   

We are in the process of getting a walk in run with roof built to make things easier for hen sitter during holidays.  We are contemplating not putting a coop in but giving them roost bars in a sheltered area.  Will have to decide on a nest box area for them but think they will benefit from being able to sleep outdoors in the summer.  Sure they will be fine in the winter with their feather duvets to keep them warm.  It will make it harder for redmite and easier for cleaning.

If they are secure as joyfull asked then they should be fine.