Roosting at night

[Lastchancechicken]

I have 18 pullets and 9 of them have decided to roost outside of the coop on branches in their run. The ones inside the coop prefere to pile up on the floor in the corners rather than on the perches. I have 1 1/2 inch wood rods for perches. Suggestions appreciated.

 

[getaclue]

2 x 4's

 

[Ruralhideaway]

They might be too wobbly on round roosts that size. Could be a flight path issue. Or they are young and haven't started roosting yet.

Pics of the roosting area in the coop would be very helpful.

 

[Ducksandchickens]

They might be too wobbly on round roosts that size. Could be a flight path issue. Or they are young and haven't started roosting yet.

Pics of the roosting area in the coop would be very helpful.

X2

 

[chickens really]

Hello...I use 2X4s as Roosts. Flat side up. That way my Birds just lay up on them. Also you need to train them to go in at night. They don't know that the Coop is for bedtime. Herd them in and shut the door before it gets dark.

 

[aart]

I have 18 pullets and 9 of them have decided to roost outside of the coop on branches in their run. The ones inside the coop prefere to pile up on the floor in the corners rather than on the perches. I have 1 1/2 inch wood rods for perches. Suggestions appreciated.

It may have nothing to do with the diameter of the roosts...but how long the roosts are and how large and well ventilated the coop is.
Sounds like maybe your birds are young?

Please provide more info:
-your flocks ages and genders,
-your coop(size in feet by feet with pics).

 

[getaclue]

It may be cooler outside too. Mine still do that sometimes, when it's especially hot.

 

[Lastchancechicken]

Hello...I use 2X4s as Roosts. Flat side up. That way my Birds just lay up on them. Also you need to train them to go in at night. They don't know that the Coop is for bedtime. Herd them in and shut the door before it gets dark.

I did that when

They might be too wobbly on round roosts that size. Could be a flight path issue. Or they are young and haven't started roosting yet.

Pics of the roosting area in the coop would be very helpful.

 

[Lastchancechicken]

I think I will swap out round roosts for 2x4s. I added a night light too. They have a really nice run with large branches to roost on so I may need to make the coop more like the run.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Chickens that sleep in a pile are indicative of brooder reared hatchery chicks that have not yet learned how or where to roost. After aging a bit they should take to either the trees or the roost poles. Since some of your birds are already sleeping in trees I will predict that the trees will be their first choice for a sleeping place.

Chicken see chicken do. Or something like that.