Not roosting independently

[Leenidia]

good evening y’all! New mama hen here and was curious about my girls not roosting in their coop.
I just put them in their coop two days ago when the weather had been over 80 degrees. Today is cool, rainy and in the mid to low 69’s. When it was over 80 I didn’t really pay too much attention because I knew the girls were ok but today it’s a lot cooler and wet.
They are 6 are 9 weeks and 4 are 5 weeks. When it got dark I went out to check on em and they were shivering and huddled In the corner on the lower part of the coop. I then immediately took the lamp and placed in on the top portion where it’s more protected by wind and rain; I also took all of them and forced them up to the top of the pen. They showed signs that they were warm and happy!!!
My question is, will they at some point realize to go up the ramp to roost? I’m concerned and at what point do I stop forcing them up?
Thanks for your time. I value your time and advice.

 

[Beer can]

good evening y’all! New mama hen here and was curious about my girls not roosting in their coop.
I just put them in their coop two days ago when the weather had been over 80 degrees. Today is cool, rainy and in the mid to low 69’s. When it was over 80 I didn’t really pay too much attention because I knew the girls were ok but today it’s a lot cooler and wet.
They are 6 are 9 weeks and 4 are 5 weeks. When it got dark I went out to check on em and they were shivering and huddled In the corner on the lower part of the coop. I then immediately took the lamp and placed in on the top portion where it’s more protected by wind and rain; I also took all of them and forced them up to the top of the pen. They showed signs that they were warm and happy!!!
My question is, will they at some point realize to go up the ramp to roost? I’m concerned and at what point do I stop forcing them up?
Thanks for your time. I value your time and advice.

Yes they will do it all on there own with no intervention eventually. We've all been through it. When they have older birds to follow/teach them they pick it up immediately. Takes a little while when it's just youngsters, no biggie, they'll get with the program when ready, instinctive to roost.

 

[ChickNanny13]

You could "teach" them how to go up the ramp to the roost ... entice them with treats they like going up the ramp, they'll eventually get the hang of it. I had 4BOs that never roosted until they were almost 24wks, they preferred the corner of their Enclosure. I got tired of cleaning the corner so I'd put them on the roost above the poop board at night. It's not like they didn't know the roosts were there cause they'd be on it during the day.

 

[Leenidia]

Yes they will do it all on there own with no intervention eventually. We've all been through it. When they have older birds to follow/teach them they pick it up immediately. Takes a little while when it's just youngsters, no biggie, they'll get with the program when ready, instinctive to roost.

Thank you! I was worrried. Oh and is it normal for hens to chest bump? Only one of my girls is doing that.. she dashes to a chick and chest bunks. Weird! I’ve not seen this behavior/ ever and was wondering if she is can be a he??

 

[Beer can]

Thank you! I was worrried. Oh and is it normal for hens to chest bump? Only one of my girls is doing that.. she dashes to a chick and chest bunks. Weird! I’ve not seen this behavior/ ever and was wondering if she is can be a he??

If you got just pullets they are usually pretty accurate but you never know.
Even in a group of just girls you will have their 'pecking order' and a dominant 'boss' hen.