Roost Issues

[Mharreld]

We have just recently moved our seven week old hens to the outdoor coop. When it gets dark, all of our chickens are up on roost but one of our Buff Orpingtons doesn’t quite understand. She wanders around the coop, sometimes she will try to jump up the wall to get on roost and she isn’t successful, we aren’t quite sure what to do about her as we have been setting her in roost each night and we want her to understand what she is supposed to do. Any suggestions will help! Thanks.

 

[DobieLover]

How far does she have to jump to get on the roost?
Depending on the distance she needs to go, you may want to either make her a ramp with cleats or offer a stepping block to shorten how far she has to jump.
The second option worked for a Delaware cockerel I had that also could not seem to get his big butt up on the roost at night. I was a pathetic sight to behold.

 

[Mharreld]

The problem is that she only has to jump about a foot and a half and the others have no problem and even go further up!! Maybe we will try the ramp idea!! Thanks!

 

[DobieLover]

The problem is that she only has to jump about a foot and a half and the others have no problem and even go further up!! Maybe we will try the ramp idea!! Thanks!

It didn't seem to matter to my Delaware cockerel. He just couldn't do it well. And he was hands down the biggest bird in the flock. One would assume he would have no problem making a 1 1/2 foot jump.
Just because the others have no issue doesn't mean much. She is trying and might need a little help until she figures it out or develops better coordination. It sounds like she wants up there.
Good luck.

 

[Mharreld]

It didn't seem to matter to my Delaware cockerel. He just couldn't do it well. And he was hands down the biggest bird in the flock. One would assume he would have no problem making a 1 1/2 foot jump.
Just because the others have no issue doesn't mean much. She is trying and might need a little help until she figures it out or develops better coordination. It sounds like she wants up there.
Good luck.

Sounds good! Thank you for your help!!

 

[Alaskan]

I agree to all of the above

But also funny! All of mine have been able to make a foot and a half.

But then.... we can't all be average.

 

[Mharreld]

Thank you all for the suggestions! Anything helps! If you have any other advice for me, just let me know! Thank you everyone!