Arizona Chickens

[BlueBaby]

I couldn't resist buying this peep show sign off of Amazon a bit ago.

https://www.amazon.com/Bigtime-Sign...sprefix=chicken+egg+signs+show,aps,897&sr=8-2

 

[Happy Novogens]

So my pullets are still sorting out where they will roost. Have had them 1 week today. They seem to have chosen a "roost" that wasn't intended to be a roost. That's fine. But one gal is a bit bossy and seems to be keeping this other one off the roost. Should I leave it be and let them do what they want? Or should I try putting the white one with the others? (That lower one is actually on the board I hoped they'd use.)

There are 5 total. If the poor white one raises her head, she gets pecked at by that one in the middle above her.

 

[CaroleW]

So my pullets are still sorting out where they will roost. Have had them 1 week today. They seem to have chosen a "roost" that wasn't intended to be a roost. That's fine. But one gal is a bit bossy and seems to be keeping this other one off the roost. Should I leave it be and let them do what they want? Or should I try putting the white one with the others? (That lower one is actually on the board I hoped they'd use.)

There are 5 total. If the poor white one raises her head, she gets pecked at by that one in the middle above her.

If their roosting place is a problem I'd fill it in with chicken wire. I've had problems with roosters sitting on top of the crate that I intend them to roost inside- we're doing just that- blocking off the top of a new roosting box up to the ceiling with chicken wire. Don't know if my description makes sense - will get pic on Monday if needed.

 

[Happy Novogens]

If their roosting place is a problem I'd fill it in with chicken wire. I've had problems with roosters sitting on top of the crate that I intend them to roost inside- we're doing just that- blocking off the top of a new roosting box up to the ceiling with chicken wire. Don't know if my description makes sense - will get pic on Monday if needed.

I really don't mind them roosting there. I was just concerned about that one left out. Wasn't sure if I should let them be, or interfere & put her up with the others.

 

[springvalley123]

I really don't mind them roosting there. I was just concerned about that one left out. Wasn't sure if I should let them be, or interfere & put her up with the others.

If she gets her head pecked just for raising her head, she'd probably really get pecked if you forced her up with the others. She's accepting her place in the pecking order. You could provide roosts of different heights. If you are OK with the other 4 roosting where they are, you could screw in a 2x4 along the top of the plywood to give them a better, smoother surface for their feet. That might help prevent bumblefoot.

 

[BlueBaby]

So my pullets are still sorting out where they will roost. Have had them 1 week today. They seem to have chosen a "roost" that wasn't intended to be a roost. That's fine. But one gal is a bit bossy and seems to be keeping this other one off the roost. Should I leave it be and let them do what they want? Or should I try putting the white one with the others? (That lower one is actually on the board I hoped they'd use.)

There are 5 total. If the poor white one raises her head, she gets pecked at by that one in the middle above her.

It look's like where they have chosen to roost at only has enough room for 4 of them, and that's why the 5th one has been left out. If you want them to all be on the designated roosting bar that you made, then I would do as @CaroleW has suggested in blocking that area off.

 

[cavemanrich]

So my pullets are still sorting out where they will roost. Have had them 1 week today. They seem to have chosen a "roost" that wasn't intended to be a roost. That's fine. But one gal is a bit bossy and seems to be keeping this other one off the roost. Should I leave it be and let them do what they want? Or should I try putting the white one with the others? (That lower one is actually on the board I hoped they'd use.)

There are 5 total. If the poor white one raises her head, she gets pecked at by that one in the middle above her.

My artwork is not that great,, but I do try to convey the thought as best as possible.
Where I sketched out with BLUE,,, I think a 2 to 3 inch round tree limb (branch) would work well. The whole width of that plywood. A 2x4 would work also,,, but less natural atmosphere.. (use what is easiest for you to get) I have plenty of tree limbs around,, and they are free
Where your white chicken is roosting,, I suggest you can screw a plastic coffee can to the plywood. This would make chicken sit away from the wall. She would be further away,, and when lifted her head,,, would be out of pecking reach.
If you do go the branch route.. Fasten one on top of that vertical 2x4, for a good grip roost spot also.

Note; on branches,, leave the bark on,,,, and sand off any sharp spots (if any) with course sand paper.
My coop interior roosts are branches

 

[Happy Novogens]

If she gets her head pecked just for raising her head, she'd probably really get pecked if you forced her up with the others. She's accepting her place in the pecking order. You could provide roosts of different heights. If you are OK with the other 4 roosting where they are, you could screw in a 2x4 along the top of the plywood to give them a better, smoother surface for their feet. That might help prevent bumblefoot.

Thanks! I did already (several days ago) put a 2x4 the whole length of that plywood. It is even with top edge. It just isn't visible because it is on the other side.

 

[Happy Novogens]

My artwork is not that great,, but I do try to convey the thought as best as possible.
Where I sketched out with BLUE,,, I think a 2 to 3 inch round tree limb (branch) would work well. The whole width of that plywood. A 2x4 would work also,,, but less natural atmosphere.. (use what is easiest for you to get) I have plenty of tree limbs around,, and they are free
Where your white chicken is roosting,, I suggest you can screw a plastic coffee can to the plywood. This would make chicken sit away from the wall. She would be further away,, and when lifted her head,,, would be out of pecking reach.
If you do go the branch route.. Fasten one on top of that vertical 2x4, for a good grip roost spot also.

Note; on branches,, leave the bark on,,,, and sand off any sharp spots (if any) with course sand paper.
My coop interior roosts are branches


View attachment 3214232

Aah. That's a good idea to keep her from being pecked. Thanks!

 

[igorsMistress]

So my pullets are still sorting out where they will roost. Have had them 1 week today. They seem to have chosen a "roost" that wasn't intended to be a roost. That's fine. But one gal is a bit bossy and seems to be keeping this other one off the roost. Should I leave it be and let them do what they want? Or should I try putting the white one with the others? (That lower one is actually on the board I hoped they'd use.)

There are 5 total. If the poor white one raises her head, she gets pecked at by that one in the middle above her.

If your goal is to just have happy chickens then I’d let them figure it out for roosting. If it’s really a big deal about where they sleep then make it so that they can’t roost up there. It’s natural for the dominant birds to have their choice for roosting first so it’s nothing unusual.

If the bully is a problem, you can separate her from the rest of the flock in a crate out of sight for about a week and when you put her back she’ll have to earn her place. It’s not guaranteed, but it works quite often. She’ll be separated long enough to be forgotten, then introducing again puts her at the bottom of the pecking order. There’s also those pinless peepers that I know someone has used but she had to leave them on the bird almost forever it seemed.