This appears to be a breed related issue. My American Dominiques are good about going back to general area of roost even when I move things around. They are not good about flying up if more than a couple of feet. The going up part appears to confuse them. The American Games are good about going back to general area and have no problem getting up to an elevated location. They coordinate approach to roost using vocalizations that indicate to me there is some discussion about roosting time and location. The American Games are also quick to move when disturbed and prefer places that have lots of escape routes. The single Aseel (Oriental Game) is a real odd ball. He quickly learns his roost site and has no problem going into tight locations, much tighter than used by American Games. He also learned very quickly that I can open the roost access and runs over when I approach the pen to open it for him. He does not talk to me or other chickens like the American Games do.
