Question on roosting....

[WhoDatChick]

I have 3 nine week olds that I just integrated with the big gals.. what I want to know is.. will they eventually just follow the BG’s up to the coop to roost? They have a dog crate in the run that they have been sleeping in so I figure they are gonna continue sleeping there for a bit. And chickens are such copy cats that I’m assuming they will follow them up... or am I gonna have to go out there and do it?

 

[Wezdin]

Mine followed suit when they saw the others doing it, i think that will be the same case with yours. The only reason i would put them on the roost is if they are getting pooped on while sitting under the roost.

 

[WhoDatChick]

Mine followed suit when they saw the others doing it, i think that will be the same case with yours. The only reason i would put them on the roost is if they are getting pooped on while sitting under the roost.

Oh okay... I was figuring they would but probably not until they are more comfortable with the bossy big gals!
Thank you!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd say yes and no... the adults will probably be territorial over the roosts, but the chicks will be taking cues from them as well.

I put my chicks on my lower roost for 2 nights, on the 3rd they joined the hens on the top roost, all on their own.

 

[aart]

Remove the crate and add a separate roost for them in the coop.
You might have to put them in the coop at first.

 

[WhoDatChick]

Okay, thanks for all the tips... I was hoping to be rid of the giant dog crate.. I’ll see how they get along without it in there and if need be I’ll put them to roost after everyone settles for the night... thanks again!

 

[WhoDatChick]

Well, I waited out till dark-ish.. and I found that the middles had settled themselves on a roost on the outside of the coop.. but inside the run.. the run is completely secure and covered so they could be fine there but I’d rather have everyone sleeping inside the coop.. so I picked each one up and propped them onto the top roost.. well, they seemed very pleased about this and scooted themselves close in and settled down... ... they are the three looking quite comfortable on the top roost!