Chickens Refuse to use Roost?

[cathloveydovey]

Hi Mystic,

Now that I see pictures I would still put it on the bully chicken, but the only other thing I could throw out there is that I see a window right by the roost bars. I can't tell if it's open but also there appears to be a small gap between upper and lower part of the window. We have had some cold evenings and windy to boot, last suggestion I can throw out and I am seriously just spitballin' it. Could the chickens be trying to avoid a draft coming from the window?

It isnt open, I have a hen who sleeps right up against the window and the other two are nearest to it on the top bar.
No doubt its the bully. Thanks everyone for your input

 

[Chickenaddition]

Can you cage the bully? Just at night to keep them separated. I realize right now culling isn't an option due to your father's desire. I realize giving away isn't an option immediately either, so the only other thought is caging.

 

[cathloveydovey]

Can you cage the bully? Just at night to keep them separated. I realize right now culling isn't an option due to your father's desire. I realize giving away isn't an option immediately either, so the only other thought is caging.

I can try to make a makeshift cage somewhere in the coop for her. If not I'll see if I can get the old dog cage down and put her in that

 

[aart]

Chickens are hilarious.

So are people!

Can you cage the bully?

Great idea....can see the difference in flock behavior with her out of the mix.

I can try to make a makeshift cage somewhere in the coop for her. If not I'll see if I can get the old dog cage down and put her in that

That would work, you have plenty of space in your coop....which looks pretty nice to me...I'd lock her in crate for a couple days and nights, see what happens.
This is how I use my wire crates:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

 

[aart]

Did all these birds grow up together in this coop?
Can't figure why they wouldn't use the roosts.

 

[cathloveydovey]

So are people!

Great idea....can see the difference in flock behavior with her out of the mix.

That would work, you have plenty of space in your coop....which looks pretty nice to me...I'd lock her in crate for a couple days and nights, see what happens.
This is how I use my wire crates:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...rates-a-good-tool-for-every-chickeneer.72619/

Dad decided to not let me cage her

Did all these birds grow up together in this coop?
Can't figure why they wouldn't use the roosts.

They did yes, most likely because of the bully

 

[aart]

They did yes, most likely because of the bully

So all the same age...which is how old??
Have they ever used the roosts?
When did this behavior start?

 

[cathloveydovey]

So all the same age...which is how old??
Have they ever used the roosts?
When did this behavior start?

I forgot which month they were born, I'll ask my dad if he can find the date
They're about 2 weeks past laying/mating age
It started ever since I moved them into the coop
They only use the roosts when I put them up there
Tonight though when I went outside my head rooster Issac, went up there by himself. When I put them up there they stay on the roosts no problem. Except for one rooster who refuses to sleep on them no matter what bar I put him on

 

[aart]

When did you move them to the coop?
How many birds total...and how many males?

 

[cathloveydovey]

When did you move them to the coop?
How many birds total...and how many males?

like maybe 3 weeks before hurricane Michael hit
so that was like September 10th?
10 5 hens (not including the three veteran hens) 5 roosters