Chickens won’t use roosting bars

[Ihavesomechickens]

Some of my large birds like Crevecoeurs, Houdans, and Ameraucanas will use 1 inch by 1 inch, and so will all my bantams (Nankins, d'Uccles, booted bantams).

However, I myself have standardized on 2 inch by 2 inch, since that size is sturdier, available almost everywhere, and lasts longer without breaking or bowing.

I use a stick at least 3 inches wide at the skinniest parts, so they don’t have to curl their feet too much.

 

[Brian720]

Thanks guys. I’ll get them replaced tomorrow to something much sturdier. I’ll probably go with 2x4s wide side up

 

[aart]

Thanks guys. I’ll get them replaced tomorrow to something much sturdier. I’ll probably go with 2x4s wide side up

..and make sure they are higher than the nests?
Still want pics

 

[Brian720]

I found a log I think they’ll like. I change the one bar out in the bottom pic hoping they like it. If they do I’ll change the other one. Thanks for all your help guys.

 

[Brian720]

Don’t know if it’s a good sign but they immediately came over to look at it

 

[Brian720]

Just went and checked. They’re all piled in the same nesting box. I dont know what to do

 

[aart]

Just went and checked. They’re all piled in the same nesting box. I dont know what to do

Block off the nests.
I jury rigged a hinged nest cover for when I have chicks.
Close it off an hour before roost time.
Then uncover when I lock up after dark.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Hard to see from your photos, but how well lit is the interior of the coop when they chickens go in at night? I don't see any obvious windows from those photos (or ventilation). If they can't see they can't roost.

 

[gtaus]

Don’t know if it’s a good sign but they immediately came over to look at it

It's hard to tell from the photo, but it looks like your log roosting bar is about 12 inches off the floor. If that is the case, I think your roost bars are too low.

I have had good success with having my nest boxes 1 foot off the floor, one roosting bar at 2 feet off the floor, and their main roosting bar at 4 feet off the floor. They can use the 2 foot high roosting bar to jump up to the 4 foot high bar. Both my roosting bars are 2x4's laid flat, which for our cold winters in Minnesota, the chickens can rest on the board with their feet flat and cover their feet with their body to keep warm. I have lots of headroom in my coop as the gambrel roof peak is about 8 feet high. I think I read somewhere you should have at least 18 inches of headroom above the roost for the chickens.

If your chickens still sleep in the nesting box at night, I would suggest a simple board or cardboard could be used to block entrance into the nest boxes at night.