Bunched-up roosting

[HerdAndHome]

The 6-weeks old 9 o'Flock have a 60" perch to roost on at night. Why do they all bunch up? Is it because of the skylight? Eventually they'll have to spread out, right? I've tried to space them apart but they move back together like a recoiling spring. It's fairly hot at night still, worries me that they are in that feathered mob in the heat.

 

[aart]

That's just how they do, huddle for 'safety'.

 

[Tstraub]

Chickens usually do line up close together to sleep it takes less effort to keep balance when you can lean on your neighbor a little bit and the body heat helps everyone stay warm. In the hottest nights of the year they will probably spread out a little bit mine usually roost pretty close together.