Is there a way to make your new hens roost at night?

Putting them up on the roost @night when it's dark might help. I had 2 pullets last year that stayed under the roosts and they get all poopy from the ones on top. Since I didn't finish their coop roosts until they are 14 wks old. I placed them up on the roost for few consecutive nights (totally dark) except my muted flashlight in my pocket to see where am going. After few nights they got the hang of it. All my hens roosts on their own including the add ons this year.

Are those 2x4’s or 1xsomething (3/4” wide)? I’ve had chickens try to perch on 3/8” plywood but that was just too small. They couldn’t stay up there long. Mine have no trouble with a 2x4 on edge but those might be too narrow. I’ve seen chickens roost on some pretty narrow things but there are limits.

Those chickens should have absolutely no problems getting up there if they want to. Mine of similar size have no problems getting up five feet. The main problem is probably that they never learned to roost where they were so it’s strange to them. Roosting is an instinct but they can also be taught to not roost. I think that is probably what happened.

I think you have too much light in there when you are putting them on the roosts. They can see to fly right back down. I think you need to find a way to put them on the roosts in total darkness like Spartan mentioned. It may take several days but they should eventually catch on.

It does not hurt the chickens to not roost. Silkies can’t fly. Some roost if they can get to them but some don’t. It does not hurt the ones that don’t roost but they do make a mess.