I have been watching my flock roost at night for several weeks. I thought it would get easier & less stressfull as time went by but it has continued! Every evening about an hour before sunset the flock slowly makes it's way into the coop for the night. It is sooo stressfull for the birds. The dominate birds command the premium roosting spots and fight off anyone who dares approach. Although I have PLENTY of roosting space, it is a fight and struggle to get a spot and then keep it until the last glimmer of light fades away.
I have three 12 'roosts, one 5' roost, and one 8' roost for 20 chickens. But still about a half a dozen is forced to sleep on top of the nest boxes, under the roosts which leads to poop being on the half a dozen birds sleeping on the boxes at night!There is so much space that is un-used because some hens demand at least 3 bird-lengths distance (on either side) from any other roosting bird. One 12' roost is almost completely empty (only 1 bird roost on it nightly), and the other 12' roost - infront of the nest boxes - is completely empty every night!!
Do I have enough space for them or do I need to add more?
I have three 12 'roosts, one 5' roost, and one 8' roost for 20 chickens. But still about a half a dozen is forced to sleep on top of the nest boxes, under the roosts which leads to poop being on the half a dozen birds sleeping on the boxes at night!There is so much space that is un-used because some hens demand at least 3 bird-lengths distance (on either side) from any other roosting bird. One 12' roost is almost completely empty (only 1 bird roost on it nightly), and the other 12' roost - infront of the nest boxes - is completely empty every night!!

Do I have enough space for them or do I need to add more?