I have 2 BO, and 2 SS chickens now about 8 weeks old. My question as a first timer is this: They have never been inclined to use the roosting stick in the brooder, and now that they are going out for their first night I wouldn't put money on them using the nice roost in the coop either... Is this a normal thing? I am not too particularly worried about it, just that it seems kinda weird. They have always just seemed to have a big game of pile on and snuggle up every night. I guess I didn't pick the smart ones? Anyway just curious if anyone else has chickens that do this also...
I have a smiliIar problem!! My girls when they were in the garage in a box LOVED roosting. All the way to the top of a ladder. They are now full time in the coop outside, with the same ladder out there reclaimed into a rooting bar. They will not roost at night! They all piled together in a corner on the floor. I don't get it Our coop is fully covered with boards on the top section to protect from wind and the bottom half all around is just open with chicken wire. You would think they would go up to stay warm! I feel like I'm doing something wrong or missing a step lol
What breeds are they? Some breeds won't roost, others u have to start out really low with them then gradually increase in size.
You will have to teach them. Even moving house can throw them and they need to be re taught. Each night on dark you will need to lift them up onto their roost. It may take awhile but eventually they will get it and do it all by themselves.
They're just babies right now. Give them time, they'll figure it out. I've raised lots of chicks and never put them on the roost. They start exploring it during the day, then gradually move up at night.
Thank you all for the tips and advice. They have weathered their first few nights out there, and seem to be liking the space they have now. However, my two rotten doggies are continually trying to breach the run to have a chicken dinner and my wolfhound cross (the smart one) managed to peel back the hardware cloth neccesitating a latenight repair to it by flashlight yesterday. The other one just rubbed her nose raw following them around the coop. Today went better. And the chicks seem more keen on running up the ramp... sort of. I figure eventually they will realize they can run up into the coop when they are tired of the dogs huffing their hot breath all over them. Maybe tomorrow. And to the member who asked what breed they are, I reply that two hens are buff orpingtons, and one hen, one roo (I think) are speckled sussex. I built my roost bar inside to @18" or so. (It's a tree branch) so maybe it IS too high. Or maybe they just are extra cautious. Again, thanks for all of the help guys! Sorry I havent checked it much, its finals week and Ive been a bit busy..
