roosting problems

[Niss]

How much roost space should they have? I may not have enough, but it seems more hens could fit even though some don't go up.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The minimum I would suggest is 8" each if you have enough for averages to mean anything. I prefer more for a couple of reasons. When they get settled on the roosts, they really don't take up much room. But they spread their wings to get up to the roosts and they do a lot of moving around and repositioning once they are up there, so they need some extra room. What I mean by enough for averages to mean anything is if you have two chickens, 16" is not enough room for them to get up there.

The main reason I like extra is that some chickens can be pretty vicious on the roosts, especially when you are integrating new chickens. I like them to have enough room to get away from a mean hen. If some won't go up even if you have some extra room, this may be the reason.

 

[bryan99705]

Build a ladder out of 1 1/2" saplings with the rungs about 10" apart and lean it against the roost at a 45 deg angle. They will hop as high as they are comfortable and roost. They will top out fairly quick once the realize they like it up there and their legs are strong enough to do it. Covering the nest boxes will help prevent messy butts, messy boxes, and lazy birds

 

[tuckertori]

I am new to this. We didn't really know what we were doing. We built 2 roosts at different heights. They used the lower one as a step to reach the higher one. I think they still do at 12 weeks of age. They do sleep on the higher roost. It is funny to listen to them get settled in. They seem to have an order they like to sleep in as the Americana is always in the middle in the morning. I don't know how they made the rules, but they seemed to have an understanding!

 

[centrarchid]

jtr,

Can you place a low wattage light above roost poles? Shot in dark but may promote interest in roosting higher.

 

[triplepurpose]

Nine weeks is still pretty young. I've had young chickens who slept on the ground, all snuggled together, until they were close to 3 months old. I think it's quite normal. Raised au naturel, They typically sleep on the ground with the mother hen until they get to be quite good sized. In my experience, you can't really train a chicken to go somewhere by moving it around. They only go somewhere if they want to go, and they only stop going somewher if some physical barrier prevents them. I wouldn't worry about it. Just make sure that there's adequate roosts they are higher than the nests, and block off the nests if you find they start to sleep in them. They should eventually roost on their own if you provide the opportunity. That's what I'd do... less work than going out every night to move them...

 

[centrarchid]

My chicks move to roost earlier when hen is present (< 5 weeks) than when hen is absent (> 12 weeks).

 

[triplepurpose]

Quote:
Maybe because the mother teaches them to roost...? Interesting....

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Maybe because the mother teaches them to roost...? Interesting....

She clearly calls them up. It generally takes a couple nites of her efforts before they follow her up. Until then she goes back down. I have watched sequence several times now.