Dorking chickens won't roost at night???

[Chicken Cheeks]

My seven week old Dorkings will line up at the coop door at night and some of them will go in, but the others I have to place inside and hold something up to keep them in while I put the last ones in. Instead of sitting on their roost at night they pile up at the door crying to get out. I have never had this problem with any other breed! Help?

 

[redsoxs]

Greetings from Kansas, Chicken Cheeks, and

! Great to have you aboard! So, is it a combination of going into the coop and roosting? In terms of going into the coop - I would lock in them in for 2-3 days with their food and water so they know it is home. If they won't fly up to the roosts (and they aren't likely very good flyers at 7 weeks) my next thought is roost height. I think they just need to grow into flying up to the roosts - once they get acclimated to the coop. Best of luck and thanks for joining BYC!!

 

[Chicken Cheeks]

Well they know enough to line up at the door at dusk and they come and go to eat so I think they know. They also have a 6" high roost that they only use to launch themselves closer to the door. I have never seen chickens like this! Do you have any other ideas?

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Chicken Cheeks

Welcome!

I have heard of chickens not wanting to go into the coop because it is a little too dark and they can not see very well; especially newbies who are not used to the routine.

If you do not have a light in the coop, you could try a temporary light to see if that helps. May be a solar garden light or similar that you could charge during the day and then pop in the coop just before bed time.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[Chicken Cheeks]

Thanks, I'll try that

 

[drumstick diva]