Not sleeping on roost bar.

[LAS1315]

Hi! I was wondering if this was normal or strange that some of my hens sleep on the edge of my poop shelf, not the actual roost. Should I change something or let it ride?

 

[Echelontheory101]

Hi! I was wondering if this was normal or strange that some of my hens sleep on the edge of my poop shelf, not the actual roost. Should I change something or let it ride?
View attachment 4286570

I think that's totally fine mine like to sleep in the nest boxes and it doesn't really bother me so I just let them do it they're just picking where they're most comfortable. If they don't feel like they need to be all huddled up for warmth they'll just plop wherever they're comfortable. From your pic it seems like she's still pooping in the poop shelf so if it ain't broke don't fix it

 

[Tired old Rooster]

Could it be that someone is chasing them off?

 

[debid]

Those are the lower ranking ones in the flock. Highest ranking birds pick their spot and who will be allowed to roost peacefully next to them. Those that are rebuffed find the next best place. You might think it's strange but they seem comfortable and content and that's what matters.

 

[LAS1315]

Could it be that someone is chasing them off?

Na there is plenty of space. I think they are just weirdos.

 

[LAS1315]

Those are the lower ranking ones in the flock. Highest ranking birds pick their spot and who will be allowed to roost peacefully next to them. Those that are rebuffed find the next best place. You might think it's strange but they seem comfortable and content and that's what matters.

They are definitely happy, spoiled birds. Thank you! I just assumed they would get on the other side of the roost.

 

[debid]

Having plenty of roost space is highly subjective. They view roosting as an opportunity to reinforce the pecking order and it can be chaotic. Insufficient space exacerbates the friction but ample space doesn't eliminate the need. Their social interactions are complex and sometimes vicious/cruel by our standards.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Several of mine like to sleep as close as they can get to their lord and master the cockerel. Even if that means sleeping in the poop tray under him. There are seven of his groupies clustered here, and there is plenty of roost space elsewhere. That's him on top.

 

[Granny23]

Those are the lower ranking ones in the flock. Highest ranking birds pick their spot and who will be allowed to roost peacefully next to them. Those that are rebuffed find the next best place. You might think it's strange but they seem comfortable and content and that's what matters.

I got 2 baby RIR's last year and I noticed that as they grew older they didn't hang out together much. I have 2 other Reds and the 3 are always together. The one red is always by herself. She's really sweet too. At night I find her on top of the nesting boxes or inside. She always comes out when she sees me and I take her to the roost ladder and let her walk up the rest of the way. Once she's there she wants to go snuggle by the other reds and they let her even pushing her way under one of the Anconas to get there
The next night it's the same thing. During the day I always find her by herself.
I found out something interesting about my Anconas in particular. I'm in So. California and for the past 3-4 weeks we have had wind. What normally comes in October came in January. The Anconas didn't lay 1 egg while the wind was blowing. Now the wind has stopped and I'm getting eggs

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Normal. They sleep where they're comfortable. Some of ours roost, some sleep in the pine shavings. During the night they wake up, preen, drink water and change positions.