Chicken Suffocation

[thighman]

I have an issue with my BR's. The are suffocating each other. Coop: 8x10. Yard 15x10. 16 feet of roosting pole. The won't roost, but huddle on the floor, and on top of each other They are 2 months old and are other-wise healthy. Any suggestions would be great!

 

[annek]

How high is your roost, maybe you can try lowering it for them to get used to it. Have you placed them on it at night?

 

[thighman]

The roost is two poles. One at 12", one behind it at 24". The water bucket is on a shelf at 18" and there is no issue getting to it. They roosted in the brooder, but haven't in the coop?

 

[quiltnchik]

Is it cold in the coop? Maybe they're trying to stay warm and the ones on the bottom are being suffocated. Do you have a heat lamp for them?

 

[thighman]

Could explain the first two. Had two die this afternoon. It was 55 but the lightning came on. Seems they were huddled out of fear.

 

[threehorses]

Pick them up at night and put them on the roost - every night - after they fall asleep. Make it easier for them to get up on their roost - in other words,d make lower ones and show them how to use them.

 

[annek]

are you using rods or 2x4's? maybe they don't like the round and are having a hard time hanging on?

 

[threehorses]

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I was wondering that, too. Mine like 2x6's better. And it's easier for younguns to balance on. 2x4's certainly work.

Mine just really never know how to roost unless the other chickens show them (rarely then even) or I show them by putting them up while they're sleeping. They jump off in the morning and after a few times they realize it feels more safe up higher.

 

[horsejody]

I have a 5 month old roo, that still laid on the floor until a few days ago. I told him it was time to start using a big boy bed. For 2 nights in a row I put him on a low roost with 2 young pullets. Now he gets in the big boy bed all by himself.

 

[FlashPointFarm]

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