I Built You a Roost - USE IT! (Should I worry?)

[Kwehme09]

I built some nice roosts.

I also put in a few windows, which have 1x4 window sills.

Of course, the chickens like the sills. But they are 9 weeks old now, and the sills are getting to be a tight fit. They aren't quite deep enough so the chickens beaks or butts are right to the window when they are on them.

Should I let them keep roosting there and decide for themselves when they are too big to fit, or do I correct the behavior now with a little creative carpentry?

Thoughts?

 

[HEChicken]

Unless there is a problem with them being on the sills, I'd let them figure it out for themselves. At some point they'll realize the roosts are more comfortable.

 

[furbabymum]

It took me 3 weeks of going in every night and moving the chickens from the coop divider fence that was there for their safety to the roost. I think they finally got tired of me grabbing them every night and now they roost where they are supposed to.

 

[The Lazy L]

Y'all could put a piece of slanted wood on the sill so they couldn't roost there.

I understand chicks don't like going into dark places. Mine will all huddle together out in the run as it is getting dark, when the coop light comes on then they all run into the coop and start fighting of where to roost for the night.

 

[gardendufus]

My birds did essentially the same thing. Wasn't a window sill, but my roost was attached at both ends to the middle of a 22" long piece of 2 X 4. My girls fought every night over which ones would fit on the little 22" piece that butted up against the wall. They are now between 13-18 weeks old and have just recently realized they no longer fit there and nicely roost in the area they were intended to.

They will figure it out, give them time. Much easier for you than stressing over it and moving them every night.

 

[Heartforchickens]

My 14 girls are 11 weeks old and have just begun to use their roosts. It was very frustrating to see them so uncomfortable (in human thinking) when 3 of them roosted on top of the pop hole door which was latched against the outside wall with only 3 inches of space to fit their heads and one trying to roost on the stick that props open a window. She would slide down it and do it over and over. She finally gave up on the sliding deal after a couple of weeks and sat on the sill to roost. The others huddled together just in side the pop hole with 3 sitting right in the doorway. Just so glad they have figured it out now. I have covered the nest boxes with some old cloth until they get to the laying age. Best advice is to have patience and they will do the inherent chicken roost thing soon. I agree with another reply in that you don't have to move them onto the roost every night. A waste of your time and effort. Best of luck with your flock.

 

[Rock Home Isle]

I had a 1/2 inch dowel mounted in the brooder when they were just chicks...by about 4 weeks, all were roosting.

In the mornings the girls go through a morning routine. After their forage session, they wander up onto the back patio, get some water then check their reflections in the window glass.

I turned a 2x6 up on edge so that they would have a small roost.

 

[dominiques]

I am wondering about roosts too. We are building our coop and struggling with roosts. How high should they be? If we have 2 or three should they all be the same height or different heights? We've redone this several times already and still not able to make it work. Trying to figure out the poop board for underneath too. Anyone got pics of theirs to post so we can see what you all do? Thanks!

 

[gardendufus]

I am wondering about roosts too. We are building our coop and struggling with roosts. How high should they be? If we have 2 or three should they all be the same height or different heights? We've redone this several times already and still not able to make it work. Trying to figure out the poop board for underneath too. Anyone got pics of theirs to post so we can see what you all do? Thanks!

Not nearly enough info. How big is your coop and what are its limits. How many birds. What kind of floor (could affect the height).

 

[dominiques]

Our coop is 9 X 12; it's a reconverted horse stall in a barn. We have 9 young chickens but the boys will not be staying with us. I believe that will leave us with 5 hens. I would like more if my coop can comfortably hold more. The floor is wood and will be covered with pine shavings. Thanks!!