coop size - can they fly down?

[wahmommy]

I have a combined coop/run (open design) where the roost is in the back about 1 foot from the back wall -the front wall is six feet from the roost. I put the chickens (pullets) who have not had a lot of chance to roost previously on the roost to get them used to it, but when they fly down they seem to be flying into the front wall as if they need more room to fly down. The front wall is made of hardware cloth, so maybe they think they can fly through it? Or maybe they need more than six feet to fly down? The roost is at 3' 10". I thought six feet would be enough... or maybe they just need to learn how to do it?

 

[AlienChick]

I have roosts that are 7' high, and I have roosts that are only 4' high also.
So the chickens usually fly up to the 4' roost then up to the 7' roost.
They will fly down from the 7' roost, but, yes, they need more room for the landing (and a soft bedding).

 

[wahmommy]

I have roosts that are 7' high, and I have roosts that are only 4' high also.
So the chickens usually fly up to the 4' roost then up to the 7' roost.
They will fly down from the 7' roost, but, yes, they need more room for the landing (and a soft bedding).

Hi AlienChick

The roost they are flying down from are less than 4' high, but they are still flying into the hardware cloth front...how much space do your need to fly down from 4'?