Pullets not roosting

[myCatalina]

My pullets are around 18 weeks old and are still not using the roosts to sleep in the coop. They will get on the one outside in the run and will walk around on the one in the coop but they don't sleep on them. Instead they cram all on top of each other in a corner of the coop. During the night they will spread out a little but are still sleeping on the ground (shavings). It has been cold here but the coop temp is usually in the 40's with no breezes. Is this normal?

 

[JedJackson]

Sometimes they need a little help getting used to roosting. I would first check to see if the roosting bars are sturdy. Even the tiniest bit of shaking and instability can put them off roosting at night.

Height of the roosts, drafts blowing where the roosts are, or the materials used to make the roost can all be factors.

If all is well, try placing them on the roost in the evening, and keep doing it for a few days.

If they simply won't roost, it is okay. They may just prefer to be on the ground. Snuggled up together it is probably nice and warm. You could try moving the roost or making new ones that they might like better.