Pecking in the roost

[jonezjollyfarm]

We have recently had some pecking and squabbling in the roost. How do I stop that. The roost is plenty big enough they should be able to roost without having to on top of one another yet when I peeked in the other night one of the hens was trying to climb under another and another was walking across the backs of the other like stepping stones on a path....

 

[Nupe]

This is the life of a chicken. As far as I know, chickens always push squabble over the "best" roosting positions every night. In my square coop, both roosts are at the same height and identical on each side, but the roost on the right is somehow more desirable than the one on the left. I'll peek in there after dark and three quarters of my chickens are shoe horned on the right with plenty of empty space on the left.

 

[junebuggena]

They seem to always think that someone else has a more comfy spot. Happens every single night with mine.

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Then I guess there's not much I can do. I recently built them a larger roost in hopes of stopping some of it.. oh well

 

[lynnehd]

Then I guess there's not much I can do. I recently built them a larger roost in hopes of stopping some of it.. oh well

Mine go through the squabbling and shuffling every night, and always end up in the same place, lol. As long as it settles down by dark, it seems pretty normal.

 

[jonezjollyfarm]

Usually the rooster who is pinned right next to them till they are big enough to stand up to him starts clucking from his roost and they simmer down. It's quite interesting how they respond to him even though he's not quite part of their flock.