Roosts

[JadedPhoenix]

They don't really need to fly if the roosts are at a range where they can jump. I've seen my silkie up on top of my coop by jumping up on other items and slowly making her way up. Give plenty of points to jump off from.

 

[Chrissie16]

I got a new hen for my roster because the old one died, she was really old , he was nice to the new hen as long as she was in the cage, and also all day when I let her out today for the first time. But when she tried to fly up on the roost tonight he was mean. So I put her back in the cage. And I bit later set her up there with him and then shut and locked the door and he was fine. Is he going to do this every night? What's up with him?

 

[JadedPhoenix]

Okay, explain what you THINK is him being mean? Remember, animals can not act the way humans do.

I believe what is probably happening, she is trying to roost either on the same branch or one higher than he is on. That is a big no-no for a newbie. He is likely establishing that he is the alpha chicken. Letting her know that she hasn't earned the right to roost where she is choosing. They HAVE to decide this on their own without interference from you. Otherwise, it will never be settled. Unless you see blood, let them handle things on their own. It is the only way really for them.

Also, chickens do best in groups of a minimum of three. Just an FYI.

 

[aart]

I got a new hen for my roster because the old one died, she was really old , he was nice to the new hen as long as she was in the cage, and also all day when I let her out today for the first time. But when she tried to fly up on the roost tonight he was mean. So I put her back in the cage. And I bit later set her up there with him and then shut and locked the door and he was fine. Is he going to do this every night? What's up with him?

Give them time to get used to each other...read up on integration.

 

[Chrissie16]

Thank you.

 

[Snafut2]

I am having trouble just getting my chicken to roost any thoughts ?

 

[aart]

I am having trouble just getting my chicken to roost any thoughts ?

Start a new thread with details about your bird and your setup.

 

[JadedPhoenix]

How old are they? Younger birds take a while to get the hang of going to roost.

 

[Snafut2]

The roo is a year the hen 18 weeks

 

[JadedPhoenix]

That is still a bit early. She'll figure it out on her own. Ideally, she'll learn from the rest of the flock. The roo, if he is a newby to the flock may be having to sort out his placement within the flock. You have given no details so far about your set up so anything I can tell you would really be a shot in the dark. The size of the flock, the number of hens versus roos, the size of the coop and placements of the roosts, all have a part in the equation of why they may not be roosting yet.