Chickens not leaving roost

[PastaChickenBoo]

My chickens are pretty old. One’s 5 and the other is 6, and lately they haven’t been leaving the roosting bar by themselves. Someone has to help them get off. When outside/off the roost they behave pretty normally. Is this cause for concern or are they just old?

 

[nuthatched]

Maybe ramps to the roost?

 

[Sally PB]

How high are the roosts? Can you lower them or build a ramp? They may "feel it in their bones" when they jump down now that thay are older.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Have you checked their feet for bumblefoot or anything? Given their ages it could be arthritis, gout or something similar making it more painful for them to jump off and land. Two of my 7-year-olds have been waiting for the human elevator most mornings.