Chickens squishing each other at night

[aart]

They much prefer wider, flat perches. I use 2x4 or 2x3's on the side so the wide part is horizontal. PVC probably is wobbly too. Getting the coop done as soon as possible would be good, that is really not safe for them at night. I know you don't think you have a predator problem, but no one does until something finds your chickens, then you have a disaster. One raccoon, possum or fox will get in that before you can say 'darn'. Even a dog will tear through in no time. They are huddling because they don't feel safe. I would guess that is why you have lost some that are flattened. They are burrowing into the pile to hide, and getting suffocated. Unless you have a camera out there, you really have no idea what is passing through at night and may be causing them to pile and panic.

Ditto All Dat^^^