Pullets sleeping arrangement a problem?

[Blondi27]

Hello, I have 5, 14 week old pullets. I have had their nesting boxes closed up from day one. I will be opening them up when they are 16 weeks old. My concern is that they have plenty of room to sleep in the coop and there are 2 roosting rods, but they only use one and 2 to 3 of them roost on it while the other ones bed down behind It. I’m worried that if I open the nesting boxes the ones that aren’t on the roosting rods might sleep in the nesting boxes. Should I force them all to roost on the rods before I open the nesting boxes. I know I can go in once it’s really dark and move the ones that are bedding down to the rods and they won’t be able to move back because it will be too dark to see. Should I do that? Thanks!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They should be roosting at their age. Can you share pictures of your coop, and roosts? I would encourage them to roost.

 

[Shadrach]

Sure you can put them on the roost bars in the evening. They usually figure it out on their own in time.

 

[Blondi27]

So they like to sleep on the left side towards the back. A couple of them roost on the bar and the others sleep behind them on the bedding. I also leave the coop door open, but always shut the run door at night. Could it be that they feel more safe in the back away from the open door at night?

 

[Blondi27]

I believe they all were on the roosting bars for a while, and I would always shut the door of their coop and the door of the run at night.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Generally they like the roosts higher. It isn't much different than sitting on the floor in your coop. They may still try to sleep in the nestboxes when you open them due to your low roosts. Is there room for something higher up?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

And yes, I think they would not only feel safer, but actually be safer, with the coop door closed. I always want my girls as secure as possible from possible predators at night. We have skunks, raccoons (the worst!), and there may be weasels, snakes .... I just want as many doors as possible between them and night time marauders because y'know ... they taste like ... chicken!

Edit: Typos​

 

[Blondi27]

Generally they like the roosts higher. It isn't much different than sitting on the floor in your coop. They may still try to sleep in the nestboxes when you open them due to your low roosts. Is there room for something higher up?

I might be able to adjust them up higher.

 

[aart]

Here's an excellent modification to that kind of coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-in-nest-boxes.1134399/page-2#post-17749535

 

[Blondi27]

Here's an excellent modification to that kind of coop:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...ng-in-nest-boxes.1134399/page-2#post-17749535

This is just what I need, thank you!