My hens have been in coop' d for a fews days as adviced by some of you experienced chicken keepers but ive noticed that my hens dont use their perches to sleep but lay down instead will this/is this be a problem? And if so how do I solve it?
It wont be a problem if they pile on the floor. If they're heavy breeds and your roost is high, they may be having a hard tine getting up there (though my standard Cochins, BIG girls, didn't have any problems getting on a roost 7 ft up). What's more likely is they probably don't know they're supposed to roost there, especially if they're new. You can put them up on their perch for a few nights to help them along, though they'll likely figure it out on their own eventually Nikki
I think it also depends on the age of the hens, and whether they had perches previously. I don't have a good perch system for my pullets, so when i integrate them into the main layer flock they all roost on the floor for a week or so until they get more comfortable in the new place and start exploring it a bit. And, it won't really hurt them to roost on the floor. They might get more poop on them is all.
I have a new flock that I've now had for over a week. I've seen them on the perch during the day but they sleep at night huddled in the corner! Strange girls but don't think it's much to worry about.
The coop we have has a ramp that they walk upto and leads into the perching area which is at floor level. So isn't high at all to be honest. But as long as this wont cause any trouble long term then I wont be to worried. I know 3 of them huddle together and the other seems to like a nesting box! (Must like her own space bless her)
Ours don't all like to roost either. Half like to go up and the rest pile in a corner on the floor. They seem content w/ that so we let them do it. One of the hens lost some toes from frostbite this winter so she can't grip a roost if she wanted to. She usually starts the pile and others join her and they stay warm.
