Do we need to break this bad habit?

[abbydmac]

We have 2 sets of pullets. The 4 oldest are 5-6 months old and they have decided that they prefer roosting in the roof beams above the run, rather than in the coop. Our younger chicks are almost 7 weeks old and are spending most of their day outside of their "panic room" enclosure. The last few nights I've noticed that the younger chicks are craning their necks, flapping around, and seemingly trying to join the older pullets in the roof beams. So, once it gets cold, will these pullets all be smart enough to roost in the coop or do I need to start moving them in and shutting them in for the night to break the habit?
The run is secure and has a roof, I am more concerned with the future possibility of wrangling all the chickens in colder weather.

 

[lazy gardener]

If the run is truly predator proof... if it's covered with 1/2" hdw cloth, and has a skirt around it, then I'd let them enjoy camping out until the weather gets cold. They may be revolting against the coop b/c the roosts there are not as high. Birds instinctively seek the highest roost.

 

[abbydmac]

Thank you! It truly is predator proof, 1/2" hardware cloth with an apron 1'-2' down and 18" out and the roosts in the coop are lower, so I'll stop worrying and wait to see how they handle the cold weather when it comes.

 

[Kusanar]

If you use 2x4's for the roosts outside, turn them so that the 4" side is on top, then even if it gets cold, their toes will be up in their chest fluff and safe from frost bite, they will likely sleep with their heads under a wing and protect their heads as well.

 

[aart]

I would want to know...why are they not roosting in the coop?..and get that fixed before winter.
Is coop too small, too stuffy, not enough roosts for all the birds??

Coop is still probably safer than run...less likely to attract preds.
One easy solution it to block off run roosts.

Post pics of your coop and run inside and out?

 

[abbydmac]

I suspect that the problem is that we've done everything backwards from the beginning. The run was secured before the coop was finished so they spent days in the run and nights in the brooder for a few weeks. Once the coop was complete, they would go into the coop and roost in the roof beams (above the roosts), then they started flying straight up to the beams in the run.

 

[aart]

I suspect that the problem is that we've done everything backwards from the beginning. The run was secured before the coop was finished so they spent days in the run and nights in the brooder for a few weeks. Once the coop was complete, they would go into the coop and roost in the roof beams (above the roosts), then they started flying straight up to the beams in the run.

Yep, could very well be.
I would block rafters/beams both in coop and run.....to 'force' them to use coop roosts.
Unless you don't mind them up there.
I prefer they use the roosts where I can reach them for exams, which I always do at night off roost, and so poops are easily collected off poop boards under roosts.

 

[MommaHen2Many]

In my first coop I too had an "open air" but ENCLOSED roosting area, as well as one "inside" the coop. They LOVED the open air roosts, until it got too cold..and yes they are smart enough to find more "protected areas" to roost. Also mine fly to the "highest" point when they are young...but once they get heavier-as they mature-they wont be able to fly up quite as far....or down (the down part can be more dangerous for them if they are heavy birds). So if YOU are confident your run is secure--I wouldnt worry about it. I since have made changes (read chicken math--needing to expand) to enlarge the coop, and have sacrificed this area --but hoping to add something like it back in the future.