The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: MrsJ on August 19, 2010, 08:45:59 pm

Title: Hen won't go to bed
Post by: MrsJ on August 19, 2010, 08:45:59 pm

I have three hens and suddenly, for the last two nights, one of them won't go into the roost box at night.  They free range during the day in our garden and then we put them into the coop late afternoon.  The other two go up into the roost box at dusk but Henny just sits on the lawn in the base of the coop.  I'm worried if I leave her there and leave the door to the roost open, a fox could dig underneath and get all of them, but don't feel I can shut her out either.  The last two nights, I've picked her up and dumped her in the roost box.  Any ideas?

Title: Re: Hen won't go to bed
Post by: knightquest on August 19, 2010, 08:47:30 pm

Could there be mites in the coop?

Ian

Title: Re: Hen won't go to bed
Post by: MiriMaran on August 19, 2010, 08:57:53 pm

That was my first thought too.  I would check for redmite as your first step.  Also does Henny get bullied?  Is it possible that the other hens aren't letting her in?

Title: Re: Hen won't go to bed
Post by: northfifeduckling on August 21, 2010, 10:03:26 am

Mites..I thought we were spared the epidemic but I took a really bright torch last night and my mum's glasses, nothing along the perches but under the bedding in the boxes...bingo
That would be the reason why our youngster didn't want to go in the big house after 2 nights!

Or could she be trying to sit on eggs in the garden somewhere?  :chook: :&>