I heard a loud thud while out my yard late last night and discovered my 6-month-old Wyandotte had fallen off the roost and tumbled down the ramp. I picked her up and looked her over. She was sleepy, but appeared unhurt. I put her back on the roost. She seems fine today. My questions to the more experienced chicken keepers are....
--Is falling off a roost a common occurrence?
--Can I prevent it?
--What kind of injuries can occur?
--Should a roost be close to a floor or droppings board to avoid injury?
Now I'm wondering how many birds have done this and if I should re-engineer my coop for better safety. The roost is about 6 inches above the floor, but there is an opening to the lower floor close by. The ramp serves as door. I haven't been closing it at night because the birds are up earlier than me and their pen is secure.
Thanks,
Judith
--Is falling off a roost a common occurrence?
--Can I prevent it?
--What kind of injuries can occur?
--Should a roost be close to a floor or droppings board to avoid injury?
Now I'm wondering how many birds have done this and if I should re-engineer my coop for better safety. The roost is about 6 inches above the floor, but there is an opening to the lower floor close by. The ramp serves as door. I haven't been closing it at night because the birds are up earlier than me and their pen is secure.
Thanks,
Judith