Pullets not roosting?

[chicksurreal]

Ehh.... live and learn! Now you know.

If they can't move their wings, and you don't let their feet get a hold of anything(but the roost) like your coat cuff, they pretty much give up and are happy when you put their feet down on the solid roost and slowly let go of their wings, quick light firm touch on the back...and hope they stay put.

Yes, I'm learning a lot about chickens. I love them already, but there is so much to learn about health, behaviors and habits.

 

[goldfishes]

I am new to chicken keeping, but this same thing happened to me when we put our chickens into the coop. We tried the putting them on the roost, but it stressed them out. Since I didn't want them to see the coop as a scary place, we left them to sleep on the floor as they liked. Eventually, they all figured it out. One night, I went out and saw them all sleeping side by side. What seemed to help was in the day time I would offer them their favorite treats by holding my hand up above the roost. They had to jump up there to get them. Also, I don't know how high the roost is from the floor, but my red sex links aren't able to fly up to our outdoor roost that is three feet up. Anything taller than a couple feet, they won't even try.

 

[Mahen100]

Goldfishes made a good point. Knowing the habits/requirements of the breed of chicken is important in positioning the height of the roosts. Especially the heavier breeds need a lower roost than they will choose if one that is "too high" is available.

I always try to provide even young chicks I am raising with a number of little parakeet or parrot perches in their brooder environment. At some point, they hop onto them in play, and some chicks (often those who turn out to be males) may be found roosting on them in the brooder. I am not sure this early experience helps them avoid roosting problems later on, but it seems to help.

 

[chicksurreal]

I am new to chicken keeping, but this same thing happened to me when we put our chickens into the coop. We tried the putting them on the roost, but it stressed them out. Since I didn't want them to see the coop as a scary place, we left them to sleep on the floor as they liked. Eventually, they all figured it out. One night, I went out and saw them all sleeping side by side. What seemed to help was in the day time I would offer them their favorite treats by holding my hand up above the roost. They had to jump up there to get them. Also, I don't know how high the roost is from the floor, but my red sex links aren't able to fly up to our outdoor roost that is three feet up. Anything taller than a couple feet, they won't even try.

Most of this flock are heavier breeds, so we put the roosts about 18 inches off the floor of the coop. It's weird, because the go in and out of the coop all day and I'll see them hanging out on the roosts during the day, but at night it's like they're programmed to pack into the corner. I'm hoping they will all eventually figure it out.

 

[chicksurreal]

Goldfishes made a good point. Knowing the habits/requirements of the breed of chicken is important in positioning the height of the roosts. Especially the heavier breeds need a lower roost than they will choose if one that is "too high" is available.

I always try to provide even young chicks I am raising with a number of little parakeet or parrot perches in their brooder environment. At some point, they hop onto them in play, and some chicks (often those who turn out to be males) may be found roosting on them in the brooder. I am not sure this early experience helps them avoid roosting problems later on, but it seems to help.

When these pullets were just chicks we leaned some thick branches up against the roosts so they could make their way up. They loved them and would be up and down all day. It was fun to watch them learn to fly up on their own. That's why I'm so baffled by their behavior now. It seems like since we took the heat lamp out they have forgotten what to do.

 

[goldfishes]

They will figure it out. I noticed as the matured, they naturally wanted to roost more. You could always put a "training" roost in the coop to see if it helps. We put a 2x2 on a couple blocks of 2x4 (2 inch up) and added another layer as they got older in their brooder. I also noticed they preferred the 2x3 over the 2x4, so we made the permanent roost the smaller size.

I really think it's a comfort thing to them when they huddle together at night. Once they get to laying age, I notice they are still close, but more independent and confident.

 

[chicksurreal]

A training roost, I like it! Lol!

I do think they'll eventually figure it out, it's just that some of them do roost and some don't, the ones who don't are getting pooped on. I'd like that to stop.

 

[chicksurreal]

Twelve out of 27 on roosts tonight when I went out to check. That's a record! Lol!

I spent a few minutes putting 6 more up there using the advice from this thread. A couple jumped down, but the other 4 stayed. Progress!

 

[Amina]

Yay!!!

 

[Mahen100]

The scale is tipping in favor of the roost! Soon there will be more roosting than huddling, then it should go quicker...thanks to your perseverance, Chicksurreal. Yay seconded!