ruler of the roost

[scooter147]

Last night as I was outside enjoying the AMAZING BEAUTIFUL weather we are having, I was watching the chickens from my "chicken patio" go to roost. I am always wondering what all the fuss is about. I have been raising chickens 40+ years and all the pecking and squabbling over roosts has always confused me.

I get the pecking order thing but I would think there has to more deep rooted reasons why they peck and squabble over roosting spots and or space.

My hens have more than enough space as a matter of fact when all is said and done in the henhouse at roost time I have three 8 foot long roosts that have not one chicken on them.

I love the hens that will jump from one roost to the other and go out of their way to peck another hen.

Thoughts?

 

[toletiquesbysam]

Wow, 40+ years raising chickens, life is good for you!!!

I've only had mine since April this year, so I'm still learning! I came home later than normal last night and it was quite dark out so I got to see then "roosting" and not many were!!

The majority were in the nesting boxes, quite a few of the nests had 3 chickens in them, 2 of the boxes were fuller with chickens rear sticking out because she couldn't quite fit all the way in!! I have 2-8foot long roosts too, and only 3 chickens on those!!!
Crazy birds!!!

I keep thinking I need to block off the nesting boxes at night and only open them during the day, but I'll have to figure out how to do that beyond a big piece of plywood!