Is it ok that my chickens sleep like this?

[DogAndCat36]

If given the chance they would probably prefer to sleep off the ground. Just a 2x4 with the wide side to stand on, propped up on just about anything will work. You could also just go find a branch and put it up. You really should give them a roost though so they don't have to sleep in their poop. Just make it higher than the nesting boxes...assuming you have those.

I do have nesting boxes. I also set up a fold up chair with the middle taken out. They never perch on it.

 

[Kiki]

Go buy 6 cement blocks and one piece of wood.
Zero skill required.

 

[DogAndCat36]

If 5 people in a row suggest a roost for the same reason, maybe you should consider taking their advice...or why ask the question?

I cannot build a perch. I placed things that are perchable branches, chairs, boxes, and this wired dog cage. They want nothing to do with them. I was hopping that this behavior was not bad but just wanted to make sure.

 

[DogAndCat36]

Go buy 6 cement blocks and one piece of wood.
Zero skill required.
View attachment 2257675

I can't buy that. I will ask my dad about it.

 

[Molly Mojo]

Don't got the skills or the wood.

For now I just have some scrap wood across two big buckets and a few running from the side to the bucket.

Everything is about 2-4 feet from ground. This is just temporary until a friend can come make some properly.

 

[DogAndCat36]

For now I just have some scrap wood across two big buckets and a few running from the side to the bucket.

Everything is about 2-4 feet from ground. This is just temporary until a friend can come make some properly.

I can definitely make that! I have spare wood pallets and those big plastic buckets. I know, just temporary, but still, thank you so much!

 

[Tre3hugger]

If your birds continue to sleep on the floor, they will most likely be scalded from laying in their own urine, causing feather loss and irritated skin. It can also lead to respiratory problems from sleeping too close to the bedding. These are both issues you need to be proactive about sooner rather than later. There is a myriad ways you can make a roost that your birds may enjoy. It seems like you have been offering them metal options, which are slippery and ungrippable for them. Try offering a wooden roost, any way you can figure it out, it is not rocket science.

 

[DogAndCat36]

If your birds continue to sleep on the floor, they will most likely be scalded from laying in their own urine, causing feather loss and irritated skin. It can also lead to respiratory problems from sleeping too close to the bedding. These are both issues you need to be proactive about sooner rather than later. There is a myriad ways you can make a roost that your birds may enjoy. It seems like you have been offering them metal options, which are slippery and ungrippable for them. Try offering a wooden roost, any way you can figure it out, it is not rocket science.

Ok. Will do so. Thanks.

 

[Tre3hugger]

Ok. Will do so. Thanks.

Awesome. Let us know how they like it!

 

[Jeepcarpenter]

I cannot build a perch. I placed things that are perchable branches, chairs, boxes, and this wired dog cage. They want nothing to do with them. I was hopping that this behavior was not bad but just wanted to make sure.

Well I would try putting something closer to that area that they prefer to huddle in, branches are great but should be decent size (at least 1.5”-2” diameter), chairs are fine (as long as they like them, most don’t prefer plastic or metal), dog crate sometimes work I have found our girls don’t care to roost overnight on without a branch or other bar on top of it instead. Get creative, you want them to be happy and healthy so just keep trying new things or ideas until you find something that works for you both.