My new chickens are not roosting. Is the roost to low?

[zoeb]

Hi, I have just got four hens. The coop I have got has the roosts really close to the floor. They are only just off the tray on the floor. Do you think thats' why they aren't getting on? Or is it that they just dont know how? When I lift them onto the perch they just step off back onto the floor. Do I need to wait till after dark rather then just when I put them into the coop. They don't go in either.

 

[gryeyes]

The low roost bars could be a reason why they don't roost on 'em.

You didn't say how old your hens are; if they are under 12 weeks, they may not feel comfortable roosting just yet. I mean, think of it: they have to balance whilst sleeping and that takes some practice.

Roosting high a natural instinct but is NOT "necessary.". Most folks just don't want the chickens sleeping IN their nest boxes. Because they poop in their sleep and this makes the nest boxes messy, not to mention any eggs laid there.

I wouldn't worry about it.

For going in at night, they need to believe it is safe for them. This is why most folks keep their birds in the coop for a week, so the chickens learn "I am safe in here, this is home."

It is not unusual for folks to "hand" put their flock in at night for a few days, until the chickens get the routine established.

 

[Mini Farmer]

My chickens took FOREVER to figure out how to use their roosts. I watched the 12 of them pile on top of each other in a corner of their coop for weeks on weeks. I was convinced they were going to smother each other to death every night. I tried moving them to the roost, over and over. I waited until it was dark. I played "how many can I get to stay up here at a time" and I finally gave up.

One day, I went outside and they all were roosting like they'd been doing it forever. Give them time. They'll figure it out.

 

[smedly9921]

5 of my chickens never roost. Not sure why but they are healthy and happy so who cares. Let them go as long as their healthy.