Roost question

[LVVCHAP]

I'll try to explain this the best I can. I have a coop that is 14 x 4 w/ 22 birds. The roost is 8' long and 2' wide and 2' off the floor with slats from a pallet going across every 14". I was told that you should not have roosts at different heights because they would fight for the top one, so I made them all the same height. My problem is that they huddle on the floor instead of using the roost. Any ideas?

Top view would look something like this

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x
x x x x x x x x x
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Should I just have 2 long rows?
Also, I was told to put all the 2x4's with the flat side up, is this true?

Thanks for the help

 

[vickig]

My 2x4 is the other way, thin side up. They will more than likely all gather on one board to roost...they like to be close together.

In the evening place a few birds on the roost..they will get the hang of it.

Good luck

 

[cmom]

Here is another thread that deals with this subject.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=900163#p900163

 

[LVVCHAP]

Thanks for the help

 

[rooster-red]

Breed could also be a factor.
I don't know what breeds you have, but take Silkies for instance, Silkies don't roost, they huddle on the floor.

 

[LVVCHAP]

20 RIR & 2 White Rocks

 

[Bi0sC0mp]

not true on the silikes not all silkies huddel on the floor there are some that use a roost..

1. how long has the roost been in there they might need some time to get use to it..

2. find the leader of the flock and at night put him or her up on the roost that might help them get the idea..

try a couple single roosts..

 

[scooter147]

How old are they?

 

[LVVCHAP]

They will be 10 weeks on Wednesday. There are a few that use the roost and some use the board in front of the nesting boxes.

 

[scooter147]

They will eventually start using it, they are still a bit young and without a mama showing them what to do it takes a while for instinct to roost filtrate their little bird brains.