Not roosting

[Justicedog]

I have 2 month old chickens. When they had been in their brooder bin, they'd roost on the bricks and sticks I provided -- or on top o9f the feeder or waterer.

I put them out in the coop, which is an Amish built one with a roosting bar all along the back. The bar is maybe a 2x2 or 2x3 going all the way across the coop for 8 feet.

I put a ladder in there for them to get up to the roost. They'll jump up on the ladder to see out the window, but won't remain there.

For the first week or two, they roosted in a nesting box. (This coop has 8 nesting boxes, way more than necessary). I then put boards over the nesting boxes to keep them off of them. I'd tried moving them up to the roost, but they didn't like that and jumped down.

I also put a round stick in some bricks, similar to what was in their brooder, but they won't go on that. Instead, they cram themselves into a corner on top of eachother.

Will they figure it out themselves or what can I do to get them to roost?

 

[ECBW]

Are your chicks Silkies?

If not, I would say you are doing everything right and just need to give them sometime. It is in their nature to roost in high spots and they will. The Amish coop typically has the nest at floor level and roosts higher and that is inducive to they instinct.

I also have a batch at 2-month old. They do not need ladder to get to a roost 20" high. An EE flew 3' to the top of the run.

 

[Justicedog]

I have a black australorp, a light brahma, a buff orphington, a brown leghorn, an araucana and barred rock. All should be able to go up there. The leghorn had been up there one night when the rest of the girls were piled into one nesting box, I put a couple of the other girls up there and they seemed to stay one night, but then after that, they said forget it.

I'd think it was too hot to be piled in one heap, but perhaps at night (72 degrees) is cold for them.