My chickens are around 19 weeks. We had some trouble getting them to roost because they kept sleeping on the floor of the coop, especially the nesting boxes. So we blocked the nesting boxes off for several weeks, and eventually they all figured the roost out. Sometimes one or two would be down because it was a little crowded, but we have been culling the roosters so there is more room now. So...in anticipation of eggs we opened the nesting boxes back up and....again they are back in there! Why don't they like the roosts? The roost are higher than the boxes. We are using rounded branches, but I just read maybe 2x4 would be better? We tried one once to no success, but that was back in the early days when they really didn't want to roost. Any ideas? I was thinking since they probably wouldn't lay at night, I could block the nest boxes up at night again and then open them, but I wondering if there is another reason why they seem to sleep there. Oh, and they all like to cram in together, which is really funny! Nobody I know has had this problem, so if you have any advice I'd appreciate it!
I'm no chicken expert. I'm not even a chicken novice (I only have 4 of them and have managed to keep them alive for 6 days). I think you should try the 2x4s. Round roosts mean they have to 'grip' them with their footsies instead of just sitting on them and relaxing. It might work?
Our girls were nearly a month sleeping on the floor till they decided they prefer the roost...and one still seems to like the floor better. I chalk it up to personal preference. We did have a big issue with them sleeping (and pooping, of course) in the nest boxes. We rigged up a little flap thing and after they're done laying (about mid-afternoon) we put it down so they can't get in there. Works like a charm...the boxes stay really clean now!
I have some young birds that like to sleep in the nesting boxes. I kick them out at night and turn off the light as soon as I get them all on the roosts or just out of the nesting boxes.
I think they would do better on the 2x4's...... they may have more trouble getting a purchase on the branches. With that said I still have an Olive Egger, Olive who still likes to go to sleep in the nest box. She was broody for almost 3 months and seems like she forgot what to do. I wait till dark and put her on the roost and she still freaks out.....she is about 1 1/2. Tonight I gave her a break and let her sleep in the nest box.....what the heck! Goos luck to you and your chicks.
