Hens won’t share roost

[13Bettys]

i have 5 hens that I have had over a year now and 23 chicks that are between 6-18 weeks old. The 5 hens won’t let the 23 newbies on the roost at night. Will this change with time? Is there anything I can do?
This is my roost...

 

[Rosypetals]

Eventually it will get better. They are brand new chickens to the ones that have been living there, and it’s a huge change for all of them because the 23 newbies have a pecking order and the 5 have a pecking order. They just need a little time to redo that whole level of “who’s on top”. I wouldn’t worry about it too much unless you see someone specifically is getting picked on by more than just one of the older chickens.

 

[snow5164]

But there are more then 5 on there?

Time will make it better, these chickens hate change and new littles disrupt their perfect plans . Let them work it out ,make sure there’s enough room ( looks good to me),

And just wait , like teenagers they will eventually adjust

 

[Wyorp Rock]

That would be normal
Give them time, as the pullets mature they will force their way into the pecking order. Older hens general have top pick of roosting space and are territorial.

 

[Mrs. K]

Once the pullets begin to lay, it changes everything, and they will be roosting. Until then, they are a subset of the flock, and low down on the totem pole.... or roost.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Yes, quite normal. My hens do allow the littles on the roost, but they make them maintain a certain distance, depending on bird. For example my Welsummer absolutely won't let them sit next to her, so the other hens have to be a wall between her and the younger ones.