Chickens sleeping on ground instead of roost

[calicodonna]

I just got two young hens for my new chicken coop, and they aren't sleeping on the roost; one is on the ground (which is covered with leaves and straw) and the other is on the poop-board under the roost. I covered the poop-board with a layer of pine shavings. Why aren't they getting on the roost? Will the one on the ground be warm enough? It's about 50 degrees this evening. Should I do anything about this?

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! They are new and will figure it all out over time. It's likely that your coop is very different from their old home. Just let things develop. If there's a problem with your set-up, maybe we can comment on it if you add photos and dimensions.
Mary

 

[ben0125]

Do you have one of the kit-set chicken coops? none of my chickens like to sleep on the roost bars, they rather sleeping in the nest box.

The roost bar needs to be a few inches off the ground aswell.

 

[Folly's place]

These prefab coops look like nice rabbit hutches to me, rather than homes for chickens. Nobody who builds them has any idea what really works for chickens, or meets their needs.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Sorry, rant above! Mary

 

[calicodonna]

Do you have one of the kit-set chicken coops? none of my chickens like to sleep on the roost bars, they rather sleeping in the nest box. View attachment 1244900
The roost bar needs to be a few inches off the ground aswell.

Do you have one of the kit-set chicken coops? none of my chickens like to sleep on the roost bars, they rather sleeping in the nest box. View attachment 1244900
The roost bar needs to be a few inches off the ground aswell.

Yes, I do have a coop similar to the one in your picture. The roost bar is raised above the ground.

 

[ben0125]

Yes, I do have a coop similar to the one in your picture. The roost bar is raised above the ground.

Yes my old one is the same, as said before the people who make these just use cheap materials and they know nothing about chickens! the only thing I like about these coops is that the chickens actually lay in there

 

[aart]

Yes, I do have a coop similar to the one in your picture. The roost bar is raised above the ground.

Welcome to BYC!
Pics of your coop, inside and out, may help us help you.
Those small coops often don't have enough ventilation.
There are some things you can do to improve these tiny coops,
and depending on your chickeneering goals,
they can make great auxiliary coops if you build a larger one.

Pics of birds too...do you know how old they are?

Knowing your location/climate is also most helpful.
It's easy to add to your profile, then it always there!