Roost too high?

[Athiena14]

So I reopened the roost spot they originally had due to they were constantly using the nest boxes instead. It was closed off at first due to it being an open spot of the second floor floor and not the actual rafters. The second floor is more a loft and has two open sides so has been scared they would fly off when first moving them into this spot. I put them up there to show it was a spot to roost and they ventured around before jumping down again. My oldest roo could not get up there. It's almost 6 foot high. I'm 5'2 and could only reach the bottom of the beam. The nesting boxes are about 4'6. Is this too high for them, or could they be just unsure about the roosting spot.

 

[SueT]

Why not offer some lower roosts to see what they prefer. It seems high to me as do the nest boxes. My girls' favorite nest boxes are milk crates on the floor.

 

[Athiena14]

Mine love the nest boxes. They had been built there before I moved there. I've offered them a roost that was about the same height as the nesting boxes but they stayed in the boxes.

 

[blackdog043]

I'd lower the nest boxes and put roosts lower. I don't see a reason to have the nest boxes up so high and the chickens flying down from the high roosts could get hurt, unless your coop is really big and they have a lot of room to fly down. Pictures of the inside would help.

 

[Athiena14]

I'd lower the nest boxes and put roosts lower. I don't see a reason to have the nest boxes up so high and the chickens flying down from the high roosts could get hurt, unless your coop is really big and they have a lot of room to fly down. Pictures of the inside would help.

It's about 10ft long and about 6ft. Wide.

 

[aart]

Definitely redo the nests lower....and smaller, those look huge, like 2' x 2'?
I'm guessing those were already there?
Not sure how handy you are, but you could do nice stuff in that space.

Here's some tips on....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

 

[Athiena14]

Definitely redo the nests lower....and smaller, those look huge, like 2' x 2'?
I'm guessing those were already there?
Not sure how handy you are, but you could do nice stuff in that space.
For those that keep saying move the nesting boxes. I cannot. They are built into the foundation. They have been getting up there just fine those that dont want to dont. I am going to put in nesting boxes closer to the floor though
Here's some tips on....
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

 

[aart]

For those that keep saying move the nesting boxes. I cannot. They are built into the foundation. They have been getting up there just fine those that dont want to dont. I am going to put in nesting boxes closer to the floor though

I realize they are 'built in' (attached to the building's framing) but they could be removed, with the right know how, the right tools(sawzall and a crowbar), and a little elbow grease...and the materials could be reused to build better sized nests down lower and/or roosts above.

Wish I lived close, I'd love to come over and take it apart for you!

 

[staceyj]

Or a nest box doesn’t have to be something that’s “built-in” at all!

My girls use plastic dishpans on the floor and they love them!

 

[Gjoiner2017]

Hello,
Nests need to be lower. I went to my local hardware store and got 5 gal buckets, around $5.00 each. Wired them together, and my girls love them. They do prefer the Home Depot bucks over the Lowe’s brand. Now, I am not advertising here! I think it is due to the darker orange of Home Depot buckets. Buckets are very versatile and can be stacked as well!