New chicken mom with questions

[Kim606]

Congrats on the new eggs. The first ones are always exciting and yes, they are fine for eating.

I like your setup. Plenty of space for the girls which will minimize conflict. The trees should do a good job providing shade when it is hot.

You might want to add a couple of items inside or outside to help keep them occupied- a swing, a stump to jump up on and play queen of the hill, an outside roost, etc.

There is a stump on the far side but maybe I'll try some roosts outside too

 

[Kim606]

You should really try to get them to roost at night. They poop even in their sleep and if they are on the ground or floor then they’re sleeping in poop. It gets stuck all on their backsides. That’s not healthy. Put them up on the roost after dark. Be consistent and they will start doing it on their own.

Yes I have put them up each night but they won't stay. I can get 2 up there but turn to get a third and 1 comes down. They make it very known they are not happy with me either. Lol I have such a nice set up for the sleeping poop too. It is very discouraging. I have to clean their sleeping spot each day to get rid of the poop because I dont want them sleeping in it. So far no dirty fluffy butts and I believe it is because I clean it each day. Just wish they'd use the roost as it would be so much easier for me.

 

[Sally PB]

Yes I have put them up each night but they won't stay.

Is it dark when you put them on the roost? That might make them want to stay up there. Get a headlamp so you have some light and your hands free.

 

[aart]

Yes I have put them up each night but they won't stay.

Is that a 2x4?
I move them well after dark, wearing a headlight pointed up so I can see but it doesn't light a path of escape for them.

 

[Kim606]

Is it dark when you put them on the roost? That might make them want to stay up there. Get a headlamp so you have some light and your hands free.

Yes. I have tried all different times. As soon as they go in for the night, and after they are all settled down in their spot. I let them go in the coop on their own before I go in to close the coop door out to the run. Funny part is they will go up on roost during the day. I have had poop there but only 1 or 2 droppings, and seen them coming down the ramp in the morning when I go in to open run door. I even enlisted my husband to help put them up thinking we'd get more up and they'd stay. Nothing seems to be working. Very frustrating! I am going to keep trying but will wait a week or 2 to let them settle into laying.

 

[Kim606]

Is that a 2x4?
I move them well after dark, wearing a headlight pointed up so I can see but it doesn't light a path of escape for them.

2x3
I am going to keep trying. I like the headlamp option. I was hold a small flashlight in my mouth. Lol