HELP!! CHICKENS not perching at night or even walking up ramp

[jamielw45]

Hi! I have a big walk in chicken coop that I have had for many years. It has a ladder going up to the roosting bar and to the nesting boxes. I have NEVER had this problem but with my new set of chickens, NONE of them will even walk up the ramp to the roosting bar. It's so bizarre. They all lay in one line on the bottom of the coop. Any suggestions? I have tried moving them when they are asleep but they just flutter right down the ramp again. HELP!

THANK YOU!
Jamie

 

[theuglychick]

How old are they and what breed?

 

[aart]

Hi! I have a big walk in chicken coop that I have had for many years. It has a ladder going up to the roosting bar and to the nesting boxes. I have NEVER had this problem but with my new set of chickens, NONE of them will even walk up the ramp to the roosting bar. It's so bizarre. They all lay in one line on the bottom of the coop. Any suggestions? I have tried moving them when they are asleep but they just flutter right down the ramp again. HELP!

THANK YOU!
Jamie

Are there no old chickens to show them the way?
Do they ever get up there during the day?
Yes, age could be a factor.
When moving bird to roost, do it well after dark using a dim light.
I use a headlight and make sure not to point it at a path for them to move off roost.