Getting older hens to perch??

[Teila]

Wow, sounds like you do have some chickens who are in the minority!

Maybe the neon is too bright, or neon might give them better vision. Maybe try something a bit duller and if that does not work you may just have to let the munchkins sleep where they want. If they are going to move around at night and jump down off the roost in the dark, I can't come up with a way to get them to stay put. Maybe someone else may have an idea or been through a similar experience but I am lucky enough to have chickens who shut-down at nighttime

 

[Sara Smith]

I'll try a different light and cross my fingers. Thanks for your help.

 

[Teila]

Hey, no problemo

Can you let us know how you go?

I would love to know if you have nocturnal chickens, that would be cool! Well, not for you, but definitely for me lol

 

[Sara Smith]

Okay so I went to put them on the roost. I decided on no light. I get in the coop some were pecking around and some were huddled. I decide I'll get the ones standing still I got them on the roost. Well a few came down so I ran around trying to get them because I tried to grab the rooster, Hulk, bad name should have never named him that as he's going crazy jumping around me flying all over the place. I finally get him stick him up there hold him there until he calm down. The rest went up with no problem after that. It took me about 30 mins but they were up there last time I checked except four went below into the nesting boxes.

 

[Teila]

Thanks for the update Sara

That is a positive step in the right direction! If you persevere and manage to get even just a few of them roosting at night, you will probably find that the stragglers with get the idea and follow suit.

Good luck!