Do chickens have to roost?

[ryan112ryan]

So my chickens (2.5 months RIR) make their way into the coop and just plop down anywhere inside at night. I have read how to train them to use the roost, but does it even matter? I know it is in their nature, but is there a medical or egg production reason? I know two like to share a nesting box.

 

[SunnysideupstateNY]

mine don't use the roosts I gave them either. They like to lay next to the door.

 

[birdicus7]

I've learned over the years that chickens have to do 5 things...eat, drink, sleep, poop and do their best to get eaten by something! As far as roosting, it's an ingrained trait to provide security when they slept in the wild. If you are providing that security in a nice dry coop and they like the floor so be it. I find that eventually mine try to get as high as possible, especially if they can get higher than their coop mates! (I guess they figure the lowest gets eaten first!)

 

[sunflowerenvy]

it depend what kind of the coop is. but is safer for them to roost for predators but if u lock them up at night then dont worry about it . the nesting boxes n roost should be 2x4 n flat side up so it cover there toes to keep warm during the cold months if they are roost in the net boxes than your eggs will get dirty and u will change the bedding daily.
if you have awalk in coop than the nest box should be about 18inch to 2ft off the floor and the roost should be 4ft off the floor

 

[sunflowerenvy]

Quote:
how old are they/ u might have pick them up at dusk and put them on the flat side of the roost

 

[SunnysideupstateNY]

lol 20 weeks

 

[sunflowerenvy]

Quote:
okay there are lazy then lol

 

[Royd]

I put a roost in the brood pen, the first day I get them and they are forced to climb over it, to get to the other side. Within days, they'll be spending their idle time, sitting on the roost.

 

[CindyG]

I think it depends a bit also on the type of bird. My 3 week old orpingtons are already spending a lot of time on the little roost in their brooder, my12 week old silkies still sleep in a big huddle on the floor of the coop.

 

[Firearia]

Quote:
I don't know about that. My orpingtons never used the roost in their brooder or their coop. Mine are almost three months old...