Chickens won’t roost - 1 year old

[Toothpick]

Hello All,

As the title states, my chickens are roughly 1 year old and still won’t roost. I have a roost bar with plenty of room but they prefer to huddle next to the entry/exit door.

The coop is 8x10 and the only thing I can think of why they won’t roost at night is because it’s dark in there when the sun goes down. I have vents near the top but they don’t let in much light. At dusk they all just huddle next to the chicken door and force their way inside and squeeze in past those that are blocking the entry.

I do see 2-3 birds that roost on the bar but the rest just squeeze in by the chicken door.

I’m sure y’all have seen this behavior before so what do you think the problem is? Or is this normal and should I just let them do what they want?

Thanks!
-Jason

 

[IvanK]

Hi Jason,

This issue is in my experience is usually just a maturity thing and totally normal. I think they'll all eventually start roosting given time. Some heavier breeds may have issues making high jumps so just ensure they can actually get up...they may need a "step" if this is the case.
To conclude with a story of my own, back in March I opened up one of my summer coops to grow out some pullets and cockerels and some instantly took the the roost while others huddled in the corner for 1-2 months. Every bird but one started roosting gradually. Only until 2 days ago did the last one finally take to the roost.
It should just be a matter of time

-Ivan

 

[aart]

Hello All,

As the title states, my chickens are roughly 1 year old and still won’t roost. I have a roost bar with plenty of room but they prefer to huddle next to the entry/exit door.

The coop is 8x10 and the only thing I can think of why they won’t roost at night is because it’s dark in there when the sun goes down. I have vents near the top but they don’t let in much light. At dusk they all just huddle next to the chicken door and force their way inside and squeeze in past those that are blocking the entry.

I do see 2-3 birds that roost on the bar but the rest just squeeze in by the chicken door.

I’m sure y’all have seen this behavior before so what do you think the problem is? Or is this normal and should I just let them do what they want?

Thanks!
-Jason

I would say it's a light and maybe more so a ventilation issue.
Was it any better in winter than now as the temps rise?
Are these birds new to you, or did you raise them from chicks?

 

[Toothpick]

I would say it's a light and maybe more so a ventilation issue.
Was it any better in winter than now as the temps rise?
Are these birds new to you, or did you raise them from chicks?

I raised them from chicks and it was the same issue in the winter months.

 

[chickens really]

What type of Roosts do you use?..I use 2X4 flat side up and then they can also lay on them for better balance.

 

[Toothpick]

It’s about a 4x4. I think it’s acually a fence post.

 

[obicat]

What breed are they? Some like silkies dont like to roost and prefer to hunker down instead.

 

[Toothpick]

Leghorn (I think), Rhode Island Red and Barred Rock, Astralorp

 

[chickens really]

Leghorn (I think), Rhode Island Red and Barred Rock, Astralorp

Try lowering the Roost..

 

[snow5164]

A 4x4 fence post ? Is it rough on your hand ? 4 inches is too wide I think , look at their feet they like to put their feet under them and hunker down , some hold on. It also might be too high. A picture would really help people to help you out !