Chickens not roosting

[chicken lodge]

Hi everyone,
Can some one give me some advice.
We have lost 2 chickens recently no outward signs of where they have gone, we think it might be a fox, but we are only guessing, as all the chickens are free range, but there was no feathers nothing, also we had a chicken die on us, she seemed to be ok and still laying the day before and happy, but the following day we found her underneath the perch dead, we dont know her age as we brought her with other chickens.
Also over the last few evenings none of the chickens or the cockerel will go into roost, their home and perchs are clean and we cannot see any sign of mites etc, is this due to the hot weather, as i am getting concerned that they might get taken overnight by a fox etc, do i chase them in and upset them or is it best to leave them to roost on the wall.
looking forward to any advice. 07

 

[bantiekeeper]

Think it best if you can get them in somehow to be safe. Just a thought, do you have plenty of ventilation in the coop. If it has been hot where you are
I wondered if they were getting overheated and preferred to stay outside. Story to hear about you recent losses.
I am sure someone with a lot more experience than I will be along shortly to advise.

 

[Chuck]

Sounds like you have a fox problem. They will pick hens off one at a time if they are out to free range. It might be hot weather that is keeping them out and I too would look to your ventilation. The more freedom they get, the more feral they can become in their habits and will find thier own roosts. I suggest the safest place for them is to be in the coop at night, but look to see if better ventilation is needed.
Sudden deaths are not uncommon and more often than not we never find out the reason.

 

[chicken lodge]

Thank you both for your replys, i will make sure that i get them in somehow lol.
And i will check the ventilation just to make sure.

 

[chrismahon]

Try replacing the pop-hole door with a mesh panel at night. This will allow the still air to circulate upwards.