No roosts :(

[Saxtonhs]

I have had my chickens for 2 years, the coop is a kit and too low for roosts, thus chickens do not roost at night. They sleep in the nesting boxes. Is it a lost cause to try and train them now to not sleep in the boxes?

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

It pretty much will be if they have no where else to sleep

 

[4 ever Orpington]

I have had my chickens for 2 years, the coop is a kit and too low for roosts, thus chickens do not roost at night. They sleep in the nesting boxes. Is it a lost cause to try and train them now to not sleep in the boxes?

 

[Saxtonhs]

That’s what I think too. I have 7 ladies and some actually sleep outside the nesting boxes, but there are 4 that don’t. They have roosts in their pen during the day, but they come into the coop at night to sleep. Thinking of getting a new coop so they can roost and I can have cleaner eggs!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! My coop is a shed type structure, with rafters eight feet high. Many of my birds roost up there! Having an actual walk-in coop is the only way, IMO.
Mary

 

[HannaKessler]

Welcome! My coop is a shed type structure, with rafters eight feet high. Many of my birds roost up there! Having an actual walk-in coop is the only way, IMO.
Mary

Mine used to roost in the rafters too! It was so surprising the first time because I didn't think they could fly that high. My chickens would move their sleeping spot often, so I don't think they'll get too set in their ways.

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

I have had my chickens for 2 years, the coop is a kit and too low for roosts, thus chickens do not roost at night. They sleep in the nesting boxes. Is it a lost cause to try and train them now to not sleep in the boxes?

Unless you are going to be moving them to housing that will allow proper roosting then yes you're going to be unable to train them out of sleeping in the nest boxes.

 

[K813ZRA]

One of my coops is a 20' tall greenhouse and they perch on the stabilizing bars that are like 18' in the air! Having said that, I do have birds that will not roost even though they were offered roosts from day one. Other birds who were nearly adults learned to roost just fine. I think if you offer it at least some will take advantage of a roost.

 

[Delaneygraces]

I have had my chickens for 2 years, the coop is a kit and too low for roosts, thus chickens do not roost at night. They sleep in the nesting boxes. Is it a lost cause to try and train them now to not sleep in the boxes?

I’d assume your asking how to keep them from sleeping there? If not, I read wrong!
But, High roosts aren’t nessacary! A simple little bar like the one shown below will work just fine! Just a few inches off the ground! It’s hard to see them, but they are two blocks of wood, with either a longer piece or round branch, or pole drilled to it!

 

[Peppercorngal]

Yes, chickens will learn to roost if given a roost even after a couple of years! My cousin gave me 4 chickens that he raised without roosts. They didn't roost for the longest time! We have roosts in the coop and outside in the run that Husband made. Finally they started to use the roosts! Inside the coop we have roosts at 3ft tall, 6 foot, and two more above that. A ll the chickens love to roost now!