Chickens squishing each other at night

[Sentimentalgamer]

I beg you guys to stick with me and not bash me to much, I've only been at this a couple of months.
I have a 10x10x10 PVC chicken run with approx 30 chickens ranging in age from 6wks-3 months, and various breeds.
Everyone gets along aside from the normal small fights here and there, nothing is overly aggressive.
At night, they all huddle together on one side of the run.
We do not have a large predator problem.
Lately I've been losing a chicken or 2 every week, and all appear to be squished. They will be fine and happy before bed, then next morning, dead and flattened. At first I thought it was just the smaller ones getting smothered because they were small but now it's happening to the older ones.
I don't know how to even start figuring this out!

 

[dalasgalas]

Build roosts.

 

[coach723]

Can you post some pictures of your set up? Do you have a coop and run, or just the run? Do they have roosts?

 

[Sentimentalgamer]

Build roosts.

They do have roosts, and they do use them, but prefer to huddle at night

 

[Sentimentalgamer]

Can you post some pictures of your set up? Do you have a coop and run, or just the run? Do they have roosts?

This is one before it got finished, they have a covered roof now and nesting boxes. They do user the roosts but at night they prefer to huddle in one corner. Atm its just the run, we aren't finished building the coop.

 

[Thyme4Chickens]

Hi! Are the current roosts PVC? If so, maybe they feel to slick/insecure for night time?

I've read about wrapping perches in old bike tire inner tubes. https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...e-stink-homestead.993278/page-7#post-16029101
Some folks say they can get old ones for free at bike shops.

 

[Henriettamom919]

Hi! Are the current roosts PVC? If so, maybe they feel to slick/insecure for night time?

I've read about wrapping perches in old bike tire inner tubes. https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...e-stink-homestead.993278/page-7#post-16029101
Some folks say they can get old ones for free at bike shops.

Yup, too slick or sharp edges will keep them from using them! Also, maybe add some different heights. Cement spacers are great as temporary roost holders, like bookends, and would have them off the ground but not high. You could do one on the top opening and a second using the bottom holes for younger birds.

 

[coach723]

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.

 

[Nardo]

If something flies around or jumps around at night on top of the run, they will struggle to get away and may squish each other. Maybe an owl or cat.

 

[Henriettamom919]

I think ultimately get them more roosts and lower heights with a soft but textured material and see if they don't prefer that and stop trampling each other. A predator doesn't even have to get inside to cause panic and mayhem. If you're just waiting on finishing your coop I'd consider tarping the sides at night to give them some privacy, too. Just loop rope so you can raise and tie off in the morning and drop them at night.