Huddling but not on the roosting poles

[leslielbk]

One more question: What do you think of the ladder idea? Before I build yet another thing they won't use...

 

[rosemarythyme]

Ladder style is fine. Or you can put them all at one level, with or without a ramp. The chicks can get up there as it is, they're just not wanting to.

 

[aart]

When I go in there at night they go hysterical. I tried to set few up there tonight but I broke up the clump and they were very upset.

Did you move them well after dark?...with only dim flashlight so you can see?
That works best.
Yes, they'll be upset but set them firmly on the roost holding their wings against their bodies then once feet are stable let go with a little pat on the back.

Not sure you have enough roost length for 19 birds there.
About 12" of length per bird works well, they sleep on less but need the 'extra' room for jostling to get settled.

 

[leslielbk]

Ah, no....and my light was too bright. I like the idea of a little pat on the back - how cute. And they do seem to like a little pat on the foot, and I pat them on the side when I'm sitting with them. It just tickled me, "a little pat on the back".
Update on the roosting poles - I changed the top ladder run to a 2x4, and if they'd get out of there for a minute (it's 95 here, and they want to stay in the coop where it's cool) I can add 2 more 2x4's about 6' long. That'll give them about 18' of length for jostling, etc.

 

[aart]

I use a headlight with high-med-low settings on a tilting mount.
I set it on low and tilt it up, I can see well enough but it doesn't light path for them to escape along. I love my headlight...starting using one while camping decades ago, and use it for many other tasks, more so the older I get and the worse my vision gets...it's the bomb for chickeneering.
Yes, the little pat on the back is an essential step

 

[Peppercorngal]

The roosts in your photo do not look like enough for 19 chickens! Chickens will roost when they feel safe and comfortable doing it. Sometimes it takes months and months for them to consistently roost. A two inch roost is fine for them. I was given year old chickens that never roosted because they didn't have one where they were raised. In 6 months here they started to roost and now always do. It's something they will do when they are comfortable and happy. My rooster Elmer didn't roost until he was 4 months old! They go on their own time table for roosting! They are chickens! Personally I am not a fan of ladder style, normally they are space wasters and too narrow. They do work, however. Good luck with your flock!

 

[leslielbk]

The roosts in your photo do not look like enough for 19 chickens! Chickens will roost when they feel safe and comfortable doing it. Sometimes it takes months and months for them to consistently roost. A two inch roost is fine for them. I was given year old chickens that never roosted because they didn't have one where they were raised. In 6 months here they started to roost and now always do. It's something they will do when they are comfortable and happy. My rooster Elmer didn't roost until he was 4 months old! They go on their own time table for roosting! They are chickens! Personally I am not a fan of ladder style, normally they are space wasters and too narrow. They do work, however. Good luck with your flock!

I'm adding on - while they were outside I snuck one 5' 2x4 in and will install the other tomorrow. They hopped on that thing like it was a new toy! I'm so glad to have gotten advice I can use! So my girls are heavy breeds, except 5 Whitings. How high up would you put the boards for the heavies?

 

[aart]

How high up would you put the boards for the heavies?

Can depend on how agile they are.
I used wide side of 2x4 and added ramps, which some use and some don't.
Heights can depend on landing area available.
Roost are best set higher than nests to avoid birds sleeping in nests.

Here's some general tips on....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-should-stuff-be.73427/

 

[leslielbk]

They're agile - 2 1/2 months old and while they're huge, they like to jump and flap. BUT. Most of them are heavies, and that won't last. Pretty soon they won't be able to get off the ground except to do that run and flap alot thing. The coop is 4'x19', long and skinny like me LOL and they have alot of space to spread out. I just added the 2nd 2x4 flat side up and a little higher than the first so now they have the little jungle-gym ladder and the 2 2x4's to sleep on. There's choice for everyone and I do find they like different boards/heights even when I only had the ladder. I'll snap a photo later and post it. I surely would've done the wrong thing if you hadn't helped - I can't thank you enough! But thank you!