chickens will not sleep on perch

[worrall235]

My 4 month old Gold Lace Wyandottes still sleep piled in the corner. They sit on the perch(2x4) during the day but never at night. I've tried moving them to the perch but they just return to their favorite corner. Should I put something in that corner where they sleep?

 

[gritsar]

If they were my birds I wouldn't worry about. They'll start roosting when they are ready.

 

[midget_farms]

Its an instinct that needs time to develop. As young chicks there instinct is to huddle under momma - so they tend to look for places under things to hide - as they get older they will perch - & you couldn't stop them if you tried!

 

[swimmer]

My girls are about the same age and for the most part they all slept in a pile up until a few nights ago. With the exception of my Welsummer. She likes to stay on the floor. But she's also a little "slow." So she may catch on one of these nights. I did block off the nesting boxes because I didn't want them sleeping in there. I also moved the roost around to a few different locations to see if that helped. But I agree, with time, they'll probably roost, if not, I wouldn't worry too much about it.