how to train the chicks to move up into the roost at night?

[AWoodward]

Soooo, what you're saying is that I don't have to teach them to go up? My girls are in a nice chicken tractor. Is it okay to let them huddle underneath their ramp? They'll eventually go up the ramp to their "sleeping quarters" as soon as they're ready?

 

[donrae]

we shoved them up into the the roost last night with the heat lamp on. The low last night was 52. They came out on their own this morning. I'm going to buy some scratch today and put some on the steps and in the roost for them. lets see if this helps. If not I'll just wait and see what happens.

I'm thinking they're too hot. No need to have a heat lamp at 52 degrees. Take that lamp out and just give them some time.

 

[jokerone]

Mine are going up to bed each night now.

 

[Blammmo]

I actually have a mini roost in my brooder so my chickens start to roost from day one, by the time they are moved to the big coop they naturally want to get up and roost as usual, the only time they have issue is when they are in one of my older hens spots, then they get picked on a bit until they find their pecking order again.

 

[morsekathan]

Mine are about 8 weeks old and sleep in a big pile. There is a nice low roost for them in the coop and also lots of branches to roost on outside. They do put themselves to bed in the coop before the automatic door closes, but they ignore the low roost for a nice pile at night. All five are squished into a corner with the Ethel (top chicken) on top. She puffs herself out as much as she can so the other girls can squeeze under her. We tried putting a nice basket in the coop - thinking they would like that, but they squeeze behind the basket. I'm assuming they will all roost someday - until then, the pile is so cute!

 

[jokerone]

Mine finally figured it out. It didn't take long.