Molting birds having trouble. Trying to re-work the roost.

[DaveJ]

I have 7 hens. 4 are in the molt. I noticed they were beginning to have trouble getting up and more trouble getting down from the 6 foot high roost. Yesterday one hen came out limping badly, I assume, from a bad landing off the roost. So, I'm re-thinking my setup. Reading here I found that they don't necessarily "step" down, but fly. There is def not good room for that. I think I'll re-locate the nest boxes on the far end and bulid a ladder type roost up to about 4 feet. My coop is 5 1/2' x 8'. Pay no attention to the temporary roost. Sound ok? Any ideas would be helpful.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I think that's a good plan. 6' is a little high for the primary roost. If there are intermediate roosts it is easier getting up but, like you say, they tend to jump/fly down from where they slept rather than working their way down - as down a ladder. Having deeper bedding helps cushion the blow somewhat.