Hens Refuse to Roost

[cathloveydovey]

Hi! I made a post about this a while back but now all problem hens should be gone and done for. I have five, one-year oldish hens that always sleep underneath the roost setup they have. None of our past generations of chickens have had any problem with roosting up there so I know it isn't defective. I ruled out the problem to be my bully hen but even after she's been killed, the hens still refuse to roost up on their roost. I've tried blocking off where they usually sleep and putting them up on the roost at night but they still prefer to sleep on the ground. They seem very friendly towards my very old buff hen mix, so I don't think she's the problem. I see them chilling up on the roost every morning by the window so I know they know they can get up there, but I just don't understand why they refuse to go up there on their own. If anyone has any tips or insight I would appreciate to hear it!
Mystic~

 

[HuffleClaw]

Following this thread because I have the same problem.

 

[aart]

They seem very friendly towards my very old buff hen mix, so I don't think she's the problem.

Have you sat and watched the RoostTimeRumble to see what is happening at roost time?
6 birds total, the old buff and 5 one year old birds?
Pics of your coop, outside and inside (showing roost), would help immensely here.

 

[cathloveydovey]

Have you sat and watched the RoostTimeRumble to see what is happening at roost time?
6 birds total, the old buff and 5 one year old birds?
Pics of your coop, outside and inside (showing roost), would help immensely here.

They literally just go inside and sit down right by the door
Yes, 6 birds.
I will get pics of the outside later today, I'll go fishing for the pics I already took of the roost right now.

 

[cathloveydovey]

(Hens dont have a problem with the ramp not having cleats so Im not going to do anything about that)

 

[aart]

They go in to lay?
Huh, that's weird, looks like a fine setup.
They might just be in the habit.
How long since the bully hen was removed?
Might have to go in there after dark and put them on the roosts until they 'get it'.

Is it hot where you live....
....put your real location in your profile

 

[cathloveydovey]

They go in to lay?
Huh, that's weird, looks like a fine setup.
They might just be in the habit.
How long since the bully hen was removed?
Might have to go in there after dark and put them on the roosts until they 'get it'.

Is it hot where you live....
....put your real location in your profile

What do you mean by "they go in to lay?"?
About a month now, and yeah might as well keep putting them up there.
Yes, it is hot during summer NC has crazy weather/temperatures
I had it on my profile but once I changed my name I wanted to stick to the game my name came from xD

 

[aart]

What do you mean by "they go in to lay?"?
About a month now, and yeah might as well keep putting them up there.
Yes, it is hot during summer NC has crazy weather/temperatures
I had it on my profile but once I changed my name I wanted to stick to the game my name came from xD

Do they go in to lay their egg in the nests?
Did the bully keep them from roosting before...have they always not used the roosts?
Just the one window....maybe need more light in there?
Lots of ventilation...that can't be seen in your pics?

Game location is great for game forums, but chicken forums not so much

 

[cathloveydovey]

Do they go in to lay their egg in the nests?
Did the bully keep them from roosting before...have they always not used the roosts?
Just the one window....maybe need more light in there?
Lots of ventilation...that can't be seen in your pics?

Game location is great for game forums, but chicken forums not so much

Yes, they go to lay in the nests, I think the bully's presence made them not want to roost up there, and they have never used it on their own. They have 3 windows and plenty of ventilation.
And yes I know XD

 

[aart]

and they have never used it on their own.

Put them up there well after dark using a dim light...should only take a few nights.
Might be tough getting them from under the roosts.