Roosting

[PlumpChicken]

I have 5 ISA Browns and they are laying machines. This is the first time I have had laying hens and it's pretty fun. Anyways back to business....

I throw my girls fresh corn from the garden and I also treat them to fresh tomatoes. I usually keep a treat block in the run for them... anyways my point is they should be happy as can be. However I have a pretty poor roosting spot for them. It is only about 6 inches off the ground at tops. I check them at night and it is hit or miss if they are even using it.

So far my experience is that this does not hinder egg production. I am just curious if this make them un happy at night if they are sleeping on the ground... if not I will not bother on building a better rooting spot...

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

I have 5 ISA Browns and they are laying machines. This is the first time I have had laying hens and it's pretty fun. Anyways back to business....

I throw my girls fresh corn from the garden and I also treat them to fresh tomatoes. I usually keep a treat block in the run for them... anyways my point is they should be happy as can be. However I have a pretty poor roosting spot for them. It is only about 6 inches off the ground at tops. I check them at night and it is hit or miss if they are even using it.

So far my experience is that this does not hinder egg production. I am just curious if this make them un happy at night if they are sleeping on the ground... if not I will not bother on building a better rooting spot...

What is the roost made of? Natural branch or dowel or 2x2/2x4. I used a 2x2 in the brooder and 2x4 turned so 4" side is what they use in the coop. I have a 3 tier roost with the roosts about 8" higher and 8" farther back than the previous one.

 

[PlumpChicken]

I used a dowel... Where I keep my chickens is a converted dog run. We have a fenced in run area where they are outside feet in the dirt. And then they can go in the shed into this little boxed in area that had a lid. Anyways the indoor box in the corner of the shed is only about 2.5 ft tall. So I can't really raise the dowels up more because then the birds heads will hit the top. Will the roost outside of the shelter if I build them something? They always seem to go inside at night.

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Try changing from dowel to a 2x2. Dowels cause them to grip it and 2x2 they can relax feet on it.

 

[PlumpChicken]

I just went out and built them a simple box with legs and placed it inside there little coop. I set all 5 of them on it and they seemed to have plenty of room. I plan on checking them later tonight after dark to see if they are roosting on it. I also made it as tall as I could so they could still fit on it without the lid hitting them on the head. I managed to make it 1.5 ft tall. I hope that is high enough for them.

 

[Vicky2479]

It could be to dark for them to see the roosts. I have to go out and put a torch in the coop everynight if I am late doing it they are all on the floor but as soon as the light is on they hop up and go to sleep.