Roosting in run

[HeyHo]

It is totally crazy! Evidence of the power of science or God or both (depending on your view). I can't wait for my BO to go broody so I can stick some chicks under her and see what happens!

 

[HeyHo]

So.... aluminum foil does not work. On to the pool noodles!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

So.... aluminum foil does not work. On to the pool noodles!

 

[aart]

So.... aluminum foil does not work. On to the pool noodles!

Be careful she doesn't just eat the pool noodle...
..and not quite sure how noodle will be used.<scratcheshead>
Pics?

 

[HeyHo]

Be careful she doesn't just eat the pool noodle...
..and not quite sure how noodle will be used.<scratcheshead>
Pics?

I was worried about her eating, it too. I haven't installed it yet, but I was planning to split the pool noodle longwise with a utility knife and encase the 2x4 -- the goal was to make it look unappealing for roosting.

I also read that twining a slinky around the rafter could deter roosting as well, so I'm digging through boxes looking for the kids' old ones.

Really, I just need Rosie to gain a little more weight so she can't fly up there on her own. She's the only one that can make it.

 

[aart]

I also read that twining a slinky around the rafter could deter roosting as well, so I'm digging through boxes looking for the kids' old ones.

You could loosely wrap it in chicken wire too...make it all bumpy and lumpy or even pointed on top.

 

[HeyHo]

You could loosely wrap it in chicken wire too...make it all bumpy and lumpy or even pointed on top.

Yes, good idea! Thanks.

 

[HeyHo]

Holy cow! All 6 were stuck out in the run tonight. I realize the days are getting shorter and they are inexperienced, but really? They ALL fail to go into the coop?? And before you ask, there is nothing wrong with the coop -- no mites, no drafts, no mice, nothing. It is clean and draft-free and warm and safe. When I put them all in this evening, they happily made their way to roosts and curled up with their beaks under their wings. Just checked them, they are happily and peacefully sleeping.

What the heck do I do about this? Part of me wants to close them in the coop for a day or two to re-acclimate. My other half wants to "teach them a lesson" and leave them in the run overnight (it is predator proof). But I don't think chickens really learn that way. Open to all suggestions.

 

[aart]

How old are they?
Lots of windows in coop for some light in there?
You could use one of those battery operated luck lights,
put it in the coop an hours before roost time, then shut it off when you lock up after dark.

 

[123RedBeard]

I'd just take some chicken wire or boards, and make a wall up from the horizontal rafter(s), up to the angled ones ... so ... no place to land, or roost.