Im new at this and have 8 hens about 5 months old. I bought them when they were about 3 months old. They are doing well only. . . . . . . They never use their roost---they all gather together in the hen house at night on the floor. Also, I got my first egg, yes, it was on the floor too. I have gone to alot ot trouble to make them nice nests and I can see they have NEVER even got in one. What should I being doing about these two problems---anything---nothing---or do I just have dumb chickens----(oh know, maybe its the owner who is the dummy---ME) Help me if you can.
samuels, Welcome to BYC! Chickens will adapt to the roosts and nests before long. Younger birds tend to stay on the floor for awhile, finding security being huddled together. Once more pullets start laying, I'm sure one of the birds will lay in the nests and then the rest will follow. It only takes one to show them the right way. Placing a fake egg in the nests will help to show what's up. Golf balls or wooden eggs work well. Patience is the key here. Chickens without a older bunch to show them the ropes take a while longer, but will figure everything before long..... Welcome to this wonderful hobby. bigzio
about the roost thing, How high is the roost,what is it made out of. When i put up new roost boards for more incoming birds into my layer flock,at dusk i will pick them up and put them on the roost,each bird,several times,for a couple of days.Every time i would add new layers to my laying barn they got the hint,even when the roosts were new ones.If one bird tends to like the roost spot,most likley the other ones will start to like it too.(this is just what i did) when my first layers started laying i had the hardest time getting them to lay where i wanted them to...I dont even use nest boxes.Instead i let the birds choose where they wanted to lay(mine picked a dark iscolated spot in the corner of barn,where i keep my hay) then i put a golf ball there so that the rest of the birds would get the hint. I've also heard of some people taht dont have nest boxes,and they have to search all day for their eggs.. i may have just got lucky?