My Chickens do not Roost on the Bar...What do I do?

[PullumAmans19]

Hi all! My chickens have settled in well and on has even started laying! It's very exciting! Anyways when they first came home the chickens slept like this (pictures below) I thought it was possibly just a faze but now they always sleep that way and never on the roost. even if it is warm out they sleep like this. Do I need to move the roost? what should I do? Any tips would be appreciated!

 

[wynn4578]

How high is the roost from the floor. Sometimes with young hens especially if you don't have other chickens already roosting you have to put them up there a couple of times to 'teach' them to roost up there.

 

[PullumAmans19]

How high is the roost from the floor. Sometimes with young hens especially if you don't have other chickens already roosting you have to put them up there a couple of times to 'teach' them to roost up there.

The roost is around 2 - 2 1/2 feet

 

[wynn4578]

You can try sitting them up there when it gets dark. It takes a few times doing it but once they learn they will start roosting up there. If they're young or heavy breeds they may have a hard time reaching a roost that high. You can add a bar at 16 to 18 inches to help them up.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Is the board above them the roost?

Turn it so the 4 inch side is up and lower it to one foot up. Once they start using it regularly you can raise it again.

Normal for them not to see it as a sleeping spot so I agree that giving them a lift may help.

 

[PullumAmans19]

Is the board above them the roost?

Turn it so the 4 inch side is up and lower it to one foot up. Once they start using it regularly you can raise it again.

Normal for them not to see it as a sleeping spot so I agree that giving them a lift may help.

The board is the roost. it's about 1 and 1/2 inch per side.

 

[chefvayda]

Hi all! My chickens have settled in well and on has even started laying! It's very exciting! Anyways when they first came home the chickens slept like this (pictures below) I thought it was possibly just a faze but now they always sleep that way and never on the roost. even if it is warm out they sleep like this. Do I need to move the roost? what should I do? Any tips would be appreciated!
View attachment 551149 View attachment 551150

 

[21hens-incharge]

You have large birds so need a more substantial roost. I suggest a 2x4 as they will be more comfortable on it.
Putting the 4 inch side up supports them nicely and in winter they will be able to cover their toes avoiding frostbite.

 

[chefvayda]

Mine sit on the very top bar towards the roof. It's about 4 1/2 get tall. When I go in there to sassy good night I get afraid that they might fall off . Plus pooping on my lol

 

[SueT]

1 1/2" is way too skinny. No wonder they won't use it......