Roosts

[CHawkin]

I have 15 chickens one of them is a rooster. They are about 11-12 weeks old. They've been in there new coop a few weeks now. At night they all huddle in one corner. None of them roost at night. Is this normal for this age? A couple have been outside after the coop door closes and they roost out there.

 

[Cynthia12]

I have this problem often with new chicks, or chickens. I just went out tonight and took a few off of where I knew they would be..on the edge of the nest boxes. If their bum is over the nest box, then there is a mess in the morning! I have some that I had to keep doing this with for a while. Now they are older, they go to the roost. Takes patience, and consistency. They get it after a while, they don't like sleep interrupted.

 

[drumstick diva]

Maybe your roosts are too high for them, or too close to a wall for them to turn around. You may have to physically put them on the roost every night until they figure it out
. Do you have automatic coop door? I never liked the idea, because if the birds don't make it back in time - they may end up as raccoon chow when the door is closed. It's better to see and count everyone before the door is closed for the night.

Learning to roost outside is a hard habit to break. Birds are sitting ducks in the dark, they won't move. Predators /owls can just pick them off one by one for a midnight snack.

 

[mymilliefleur]

My guess is the chicks just aren't used to sleeping on the roosts. If you put them on the roost every night they should get used to it after a couple of days. Good luck with your flock!

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[nj2wv]

welcome to BYC !!

 

[CHawkin]

I put a few of them on the roost but they just jump off. 3 of them were on the roost last night. Hopefully the others will catch on.

 

[fire370]

Chickens are a bird of routine. They'll get the hang of it.