Roosting behavior

[LD Jackson]

My chicks, if they can be called that still yet, range from 7-8 weeks to 5 weeks. For the most part, they are able to access the roost and even higher, to a portion of the metal roof that covers the nesting area. I have sat in the coop and watched them and they easily jump to and from the roost. However, when it comes night time, they still prefer to huddle together in a corner and seem to have no inclination to go to the roost to sleep. These are Black Australorp, Buff Orpington, Barred Rock, Rhode Island Red, and Ameraucana. At what age should I expect them to use the roost for something besides a runway?

 

[centrarchid]

Warmer means sooner.

Momma's leadership means sooner.

Elder flock mates going up means sooner for younger birds.

Earliest mine go up when warm with mother is four weeks,

No adults and low temperatures and going up for roosting can be delayed to 12 weeks or more.

Breed effects may also be at play but I am not confident in how it works owing to limited experience with different breeds.
My breeds American game and dominique.

 

[DaveK88]

I just posted almost the same question here last week. and 2 days later when i put the girls in for the night they jumped up on the roost. They are 14 weeks old now.

 

[jmc]

got a bunch of 10 wk. olds, and they still don't roost for sleep at night, though they use them off and on in the day. Eventually they will get it--let's hope, eh?

 

[7L Farm]

Go in the coop at night & put them up on the roost. Once you get one to start roosting the others will follow.

 

[LD Jackson]

I will try putting them on the roost tonight and see what happens.