Chicken coop chaos

[MommyGirl]

First time chicken owner.i got chicks from 8 weeks to 12 weeks. Been in coop and run for a week and a half. My question is when they go to roost it's so much chaos. Is it always like that or is it cause they still trying to figure out their pecking order. I can't even stand to watch it. It's crazy. Up and down roost, pecking, knocking others off. It sounds like thunder in there. I'm afraid of one getting hurt. Is there anything I can do to make it more peaceful or is that just what happens? Thanks

 

[Galeann]

How many chicks do you have? How big is your coop? Is there enough room on the roosts for all of them?

 

[21hens-incharge]

That roost time shuffle is largely due to figuring out pecking order and how to roost.

I found it was rougher when I had roosts at multiple heights. Once I moved them to all be one height and 16+ inches apart things settled a lot.

 

[MommyGirl]

I have 23 chicks in an 8 x 10 coop. Two 8 ft roost bars and a 4 ft roost bar. I do have one higher than the others so that might be a problem. None of them get on the 4 ft bar. And 2 sleep on the coop entry door that I leave open cause it's hot. I have another door of hardware cloth. I really don't like them on top of the door. I feel that's too high. But I think they get up there to get out of the chaos

 

[21hens-incharge]

Since they will try to roost as high as possible they may squabble over the high spots.

Out in the country my coop was a barn stall. I had a couple birds that could make it to the rafters. Nutty but they never got hurt getting down.

 

[Acre4Me]

Very typical.

we have ladder style roosts, so different heights. Yes, there is a lot of shuffling around and pecking order stuff at roost time.

They settle down pretty well when all are laying eggs. Of course, new introductions will cause more chaos. Even a little blood isn’t too unusual (usually from a comb), but should not be all the time. If you end up with a real bully, that will be a different discussion, but at this age, they are figuring it all out.

 

[Galeann]

Seems like you have plenty of room. Chickens are so fun to watch and listen to. I hope you are able to relax and let them work it out.

 

[MommyGirl]

Thanks it just freaks me out with all that. Like I said I can't stand to watch lol. I hope they settle down. It's crazy in there. Never seen anything like it. Thanks everyone

 

[aart]

RoostTimeRumble!
They might settle down a bit, but it will always happen.

 

[MommyGirl]

RoostTimeRumble!
They might settle down a bit, but it will always happen.

That's what I was wondering. So I will just learn to accept it lol