My 16 week old pullets aren't laying yet and are inconsistent in using the roost. I got them at 12 weeks old towards the end of December. I would see them on the roost at night in the beginning or ownership, when weather was average around here...30* or a little lower at night.
Past couple of weeks w/ colder temps they all huddle together in nesting boxes (5 chickens) except the lowest on the pecking order.
They fill the boxes with poop. I do notice them on the roosts during the day, temps have been in the teens and 0 or below at night so they go and huddle up in the boxes.
I'm thinking of blocking access to the boxes to encourage them using the roost BUT if they need to huddle for a form of survival then I'll let them do what they need to do. What do you all think?
Past couple of weeks w/ colder temps they all huddle together in nesting boxes (5 chickens) except the lowest on the pecking order.
They fill the boxes with poop. I do notice them on the roosts during the day, temps have been in the teens and 0 or below at night so they go and huddle up in the boxes.
I'm thinking of blocking access to the boxes to encourage them using the roost BUT if they need to huddle for a form of survival then I'll let them do what they need to do. What do you all think?
