Chickens afraid of roosting heights?

[rosemarythyme]

Don't think the ramp and platform helps much (hard to tell from this angle) as the upward angle between platform to the roost above is maybe too steep. From the ground they should have plenty of room to fly up.

How dark is it in there at dusk? From this angle there's no windows or lights visible.

And... I guess I'm a meanie because I'd just wait until dark and put them on the roost, and let them scream. I'd want them roosting by 6 or 7 weeks or so at the latest.

 

[aart]

And... I guess I'm a meanie because I'd just wait until dark and put them on the roost, and let them scream. I'd want them roosting by 6 or 7 weeks or so at the latest.

Ditto Dat^^^

 

[Peppercorngal]

I will try replacing the ramp with blocks and I will try a light up there...
They used to have a log that they never really spent time on. They do not like to be off the floor. One really acts like she has sight issues and I wonder if the others are afraid because of her?
All of our past flocks have enjoyed sleeping up on top of the laying boxes!

I would put a night light in the coop for sure. Also did the chickens have a place to roost when young? My month old chicks love to use their roost even though it is only 7 or 8 inches high. They will go higher as they get older. Even my 2 week old chick will try to climb on higher places! If they never had roosts before now it will take them time to get used to the opportunity. Eventually they should start to roost. I was given two chickens one year old that never had roosts to use. It took almost a year, but they did learn to enjoy roosting! Don't worry about it too much!

 

[50-45-1]

Ok, help me out. Where exactly is your roosting spot in that picture?

 

[Peppercorngal]

Ok, help me out. Where exactly is your roosting spot in that picture?

Are you asking me? About the small chick? I'll answer anyway. It's the bottom "rung" of one of our outdoor roosts. Here's a photo of the whole thing.

 

[50-45-1]

Sorry, no I ment the photo from op in post #6.
I can not figure out where op's roost is.
Is it that lighter colored 2x4?
Do they want them to roost on top of the nest boxes?
Or is it the platform that has the proped board with no foot grips?

 

[Peppercorngal]

Sorry, no I ment the photo from op in post #6.
I can not figure out where op's roost is.
Is it that lighter colored 2x4?
Do they want them to roost on top of the nest boxes?
Or is it the platform that has the proped board with no foot grips?

I see a roost extending from the nesting boxes.