sleeping outside

[mrswadders]

Hi, is anyone else having this at the moment - 4 of my girls have insisted on roosting outside their house at night on a high bar for the last few weeks, 1 still goes in the house at night, i've been a bit worried about foxes but am pretty confident run is ok,is it just because its been so hot? I'm a bit worried that they will carry on doing this when the weather eventually turns, do you think they'll start going back in when it gets a bit colder?
I've checked and doubled checked for any infestations and theres no sign, clementine seems perfectly happy inside(perhaps she likes her home comforts lol!)

[roitelet]

My young birds this on top of the house and every night we had to put them inside. Then to stop them escaping and destroying the garden I netted the run over the top of the house. The first night 5 of the 9 got the message and went inside and the following night they all went in and have done every night since. Perhaps it's a matter of training or getting a cock who will boss them about!

[CaroltheCarrot]

Mine have been doing this as well, I have been physically putting them in because of the weather. They had been going in themselves but then just stopped. I have no idea why

[RichmondHens]

I would still suspect red mite unless it has been very hot where you are. For them all to roost outside all of a sudden seems a bit suspicious.

[sheena]

You're not that far from me Mrs Wadders, and I had the same problem with my girl's recently, Upon inspection they were lice and mite free, until one day last week I found a huge mound of red mite. My girl's still insist on sleeping out at night, but i would be inclined to go through them all with a fine tooth comb so to speak and treat the house for red mite anyhow.

Watch for them dust bathing constantly, this would be the greatest give away.
I sure hope you don't have to see the sight I did, it wasn't pleasant