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Roosting

Discussion in 'New Member Introductions' started by mts9, Aug 16, 2014.

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  1. Aug 16, 2014 #1
    mts9

    mts9 Hatching

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    Aug 16, 2014
    Hi I just starting my chickens free roam 2 days ago and they've created a new home/roosting spot so they are not coming back to the roost

    Please help
     
  2. Aug 16, 2014 #2
    drumstick diva

    drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member 9 Years

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    Out to pasture
    Are these new chickens that aren't used to their coop? Most people lock them in the coop for a week or so - so the chickens learn THAT is their home. Then when they are allowed to free range - they come back to the coop to roost.

    It's not safe for them to sleep elsewhere - they will be picked off by predators easily.
     
  3. Aug 16, 2014 #3
    Kelsie2290

    Kelsie2290 Free Ranging Premium Member

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    Hello :frow and Welcome To BYC! X2, if they are new you need to keep them locked in the coop for a week or so, so they know it is home. If they have been in the coop awhile and don't want to use it., you need to take a look at your coop and see if you can make it more attractive to them as a roosting place, you might want to post pictures in the Coop/Run forum for suggestions www.backyardchickens.com/f/9/coop-amp-run-design-construction-amp-maintenance
     
  4. Aug 16, 2014 #4
    Michael OShay

    Michael OShay Crowing

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    Montana
    Welcome to BYC! Glad you decided to join our flock. You've received some good advice from drumstick diva and a good link from Kelsie2290. How many birds do you have and how many square feet is your coop? You should have a minimum of 4 sq. ft. per bird (more is better) and plenty of roosting bars that are higher than your nest boxes. If chickens feel overcrowded, they will start nesting elsewhere. Also, how long were they confined to the coop before you started letting them free range. Chickens need to be acclimated to the coop so (as drumstick diva said) they will think of the coop as home and safety. Please feel free to ask any other questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck in getting your flock to roost back in their coop.
     
  5. Aug 16, 2014 #5
    Mountain Peeps

    Mountain Peeps Change is inevitable, like the seasons Premium Member

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    Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

    You should lock them in so they know where is home. Chickens are creatures of routine and once they get used to roosting in the coop, they'll continue even after you let them out again.
     
  6. Aug 17, 2014 #6
    sumi

    sumi Égalité Staff Member Premium Member 7 Years

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    Welcome to BYC [​IMG] Glad you joined us! They have to sleep in the coop, even if it means you have to pick them out of the trees and put them there. Lots of predators are active after dark, so a sleeping chicken shouldn't be out there.
     
  7. Aug 17, 2014 #7
    mts9

    mts9 Hatching

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    Aug 16, 2014
    I have a 2 x 3 ft coop and 2 chickens I'm trying to build a wall at the side yard so they stay at the other side but they straight for the bushes where I don't want them I sit on over half an acre
     
    Last edited: Aug 17, 2014
  8. Aug 17, 2014 #8
    TwoCrows

    TwoCrows Bird is the Word Staff Member Premium Member 7 Years

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    Mar 21, 2011
    New Mexico, USA
    My Coop
    Hello there and welcome to BYC! [​IMG]

    Yes, as said many times above, you need to lock them in the coop, not letting them out for several days to a week. If they refuse to stay in the yard, you may need to build a run to contain them. Predators are always looking for an opportunistic meal and chickens are high on the list.

    Good luck and welcome to our flock!
     
  9. Aug 17, 2014 #9
    Wyandottes7

    Wyandottes7 Crowing 5 Years

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    Jul 24, 2013
    Welcome to BYC! [​IMG]We're glad to have you.
     
  10. Aug 27, 2014 #10
    BantamLover21

    BantamLover21 Crowing 5 Years

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    [​IMG] Glad you joined us!

    Feel free to ask lots of questions! We're all here to help. [​IMG]
     
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