age of chicks perching

[Rach4]

My proud gems are nearly 3weeks old. I noticed that they are trying to perch on a bit of wood on the ground. I have rigged a mini one up in the coop about 1inch (no higher) of the ground Just curious as to when they will start to jump up on the perch at night time as they still sleep in the nest on the ground with mum, and unfortunately we are having many flood warnings where we are which equals sleepless nights.... can chickens swim?!

 

[SunHwaKwon]

When raised with a broody, mama can sometimes get them going up there by 4 weeks, depending on how high it is and how easity it is for them to get up to (a ladder or whatnot). Ones I've had without a broody to show them didn't start until a couple weeks later than that.

 

[Rach4]

Thanks for that a couple of things their to keep an eye on, height, ease etc thanks

 

[Flock Master64]

I have heard of chickens being able to swim I'm not sure if they're true or not I think they might be able to but not very well and if they are in a panic they will drown.

 

[SunHwaKwon]

They can float until they become water logged then they sink.

 

[Flock Master64]

Yeah that's what I heard

 

[Rach4]

yeah I didn't think they had much luck with water, looks like I shall be continuing to dig trenches for a few more days/nights! thanks guys

 

[Dmontgomery]

When raised with a broody, mama can sometimes get them going up there by 4 weeks, depending on how high it is and how easity it is for them to get up to (a ladder or whatnot). Ones I've had without a broody to show them didn't start until a couple weeks later than that. 

Our chicks were 4 weeks old on Tuesday. Their mama has them on the roost tonight, for the first time.

 

[Rach4]

oh that is gold! our little gems will be 3wks on Sunday. 2-3hrs after posting this question, I walked outside and found 2 out of 4 perched on a old chair I have in the run (our Rooster likes to sit on the top of it), yet again Mum and Dad are kicking goals for first time parents in attending to their little bubies needs, So I feel a tad silly now should have waited 4hours before asking!

 

[PingoBags]

Mine were roosting at night at 5 weeks.
I put them in the coop at 5 weeks and I'm not sure how they slept the first night but from the second night onwards, they roosted.
As they grew in the brooder, I always had a little roost for them. I made it higher as they grew.
They never slept on it but did once in the coop.