My pullets won’t roost. 😩

[MiMito3]

My 13 week old pullets are going back in their coop at dusk but they just lay in a pile by the door all night. I built my roosts for heavy birds so probably 2+ feet high. They refuse to use them. I’ve tried putting them on the roost after dark but they all scream and cry and just jump back down and run to the corner by the door again. weather is beautiful here right now daytime 80ish Nighttime 40ish. I think I have enough ventilation because I’m in the high desert in Colorado where winter temps at night are -25 most nights for a few months. So afraid to do too much. Just have no idea why they don’t like their roosts. Should I just let them be and not worry about it ? TIA for any advice.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I probably sound mean but I would put them on the roosts and then fence them in temporarily (bird netting stretched taut across the span should do it) so they can't leave the area. You can try sneaking out after a half hour or an hour to remove the netting. At 13 weeks I'd expect them to roost even if they didn't like it.

 

[MiMito3]

I probably sound mean but I would put them on the roosts and then fence them in temporarily (bird netting stretched taut across the span should do it) so they can't leave the area. You can try sneaking out after a half hour or an hour to remove the netting. At 13 weeks I'd expect them to roost even if they didn't like it.

Thank you I will try it!

 

[rosemarythyme]

Don't be surprised if they get upset that they can't leave the area if fenced in. Chickens are very good at sounding like the world is ending.