Roost and nesting box questions

[MischickenNY]

Hello, I’ve added low to the ground pvc piping which I’m sure may be to small. I plan I’m raising it 10 inches in hopes they start roosting. I also have a ladder that none of them use to perch either. I’m not sure what’s up? I’ve attached some pictures of the set up. Still trying to work out everything and all the ideas. Any suggestions?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Most younger birds won't roost. Most start by 3 months. It's best to use 2x4 for roosts. PVC pipes are too slippery to be roosts.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I see several issues:

1) Block off nests now so they don't get in the habit of sleeping in them
2) PVC is not a good choice for roosts, and those are also very narrow. Wood is a much better choice. Should be wide enough that the chickens aren't wrapping their toes tightly around all the way.
3) Silkies may or may not want to roost.

 

[MischickenNY]

I see several issues:

1) Block off nests now so they don't get in the habit of sleeping in them
2) PVC is not a good choice for roosts, and those are also very narrow. Wood is a much better choice. Should be wide enough that the chickens aren't wrapping their toes tightly around all the way.
3) Silkies may or may not want to roost.

Thank you, I had no idea. I have several 2x4s available. How high off the ground?

 

[DobieLover]

Thank you, I had no idea. I have several 2x4s available. How high off the ground?

It depends on the breed. I like poop boards under my roosts so they are set to 34" off the ground and the roosts sit 13" over the boards. The lighter body birds usually fly up to the board then hop up on the roost. Heavier birds prefer to take the ramp.

 

[CluckettyCluckerson]

My girls don’t roost.
Is that common for Red Sexlink chickens?
They’ve showed not interest.
And, they sleep on the floor.
not in the nesting boxes I have supplied.

 

[DobieLover]

My girls don’t roost.
Is that common for Red Sexlink chickens?
They’ve showed not interest.
And, they sleep on the floor.
not in the nesting boxes I have supplied.

How old are they?

 

[CluckettyCluckerson]

How old are they?

6 months old.

 

[GC-Raptor]

And, they sleep on the floor.
not in the nesting boxes I have supplied.

Yeah, you don't want them to sleep in the nest boxes.
They poop when sleeping. Poopy eggs are nasty.

My girls don’t roost.
Is that common for Red Sexlink chickens

My first Flock of Golden Comets "Red sex-links" went out to coop at 5 weeks, it took a week or two before they used roosts.

The lowest roost is only 1 foot high.

I now put a curved forked branch into the brooder after a couple of days.

My second Flock, Barred Rocks were roosting outside at 5 weeks.

Here they are at 8 weeks. GC

 

[CluckettyCluckerson]

Ok!
I’m going to try the branch for the young one and lowering the other for the older girls.