Rooster won't roost

[Mountain Bear]

At what age do chickens begin to roost? I have 20 chickens (11 hens 9 roosters) about 16 weeks. They have shown no interest in roosting. I have built a ladder with the first step only 6 inches, second is a little more than a foot high, and two more with the top about 3 1/2 feet.
Every night they gather in a corner to sleep but they show very little interest in roosting. Any advice?

 

[chickenreferee]

My cochins were whimps about roosting when they were young.

Perhaps they feel more secure lumped together, especially if you haven't had them long. Have you tried adding a short roost closer to the ground for them to test out? Just a board on a couple bricks?

I'm sure someone will come along with better advice, but hang in there. It just takes some chickens a little longer than others to get the idea, imo.

 

[1muttsfan]

They will very likely start roosting soon. You could, if you wanted, go out after dark and put them up on the roost.

 

[Nicole01]

Mine never "roosted". I gave up and built a 14" lined with linoleum shelf for the crew to pile up. It worked out fabulous! I put a heater underneath the roost on low and they kept nice and warm.

We actually raised both shelves to the same height. I have an xl dog kennel with 3 new ones to integrate.