New Roosts Added

[MarlaMac]

In anticipation of 11 new chicks under a broody momma, DH added some new roost to the coop. Our current flock is still cramming into the old coop to sleep and DH is threatening to make "orange chicken" if they don't start using the new digs. They have 1 roost bar left in the old coop that is about 6 ft long and they all either cram on it or the sleep on the floor of the coop. Thinking I may need to block it off and make them go in the other coop. But I will wait until broody momma hatches her clutch and the babies get their bearings. Should have 11, maybe 12 on May 30 - Jun 1.

The roost folds down for sleep time and up and out of the way for cleaning, egg collecting, etc. The chickens free range all day, so only the hens go in to the coop to lay eggs, unless rooster thinks he has to manage them for some reason. This will also provide areas of open windows for these guys during the hot texas summer right around the corner.

 

[sourland]

Chickens hate change and will likely not use the new coop/roost until forced to.

 

[MarlaMac]

Chickens hate change and will likely not use the new coop/roost until forced to.

Yes. After babies are 4 weeks or so, I will block off the old coop so that they will be forced to use the new roosts. By that time, Texas summer will be bearing down hard and the chickens will be much better off in the open window area where even the slightest of breezes will come through. The old coup is much more closed off so it will seem hotter than the open window side.

 

[Mouthpear]

Yes. After babies are 4 weeks or so, I will block off the old coop so that they will be forced to use the new roosts. By that time, Texas summer will be bearing down hard and the chickens will be much better off in the open window area where even the slightest of breezes will come through. The old coup is much more closed off so it will seem hotter than the open window side.

Or you can feed mealworms, hung corn on cob, lettuce, treats, yah know, in the new roost. But only enough to be gone before bed.

 

[MarlaMac]

Or you can feed mealworms, hung corn on cob, lettuce, treats, yah know, in the new roost. But only enough to be gone before bed.

Tried that when we first built the extension...no go. I also try not to feed in the coop, except for right now I have a broody momma sitting on 12 eggs in a nesting box. I bring her food a couple times a day, but always pick up what she does not eat in a short period of time.

Perhaps momma will teach her babies to roost in the new area. When that happens, I know rooster will come and take over b/c the roost in there are higher than the roosts in the other part of the coop. Plus, I think they will move in their naturally when it gets hotter. The open windows will be more than they can resist. At least that is my plan...

 

[Mouthpear]

Tried that when we first built the extension...no go. I also try not to feed in the coop, except for right now I have a broody momma sitting on 12 eggs in a nesting box. I bring her food a couple times a day, but always pick up what she does not eat in a short period of time.

Perhaps momma will teach her babies to roost in the new area. When that happens, I know rooster will come and take over b/c the roost in there are higher than the roosts in the other part of the coop. Plus, I think they will move in their naturally when it gets hotter. The open windows will be more than they can resist. At least that is my plan...

Yeah for trying to get them in the coop, thick juice mealworms is great but only enough so the can finish right away. I know most people don't like feed in their coops. I myself have no problem with it. I had feed and water inside and out