Tested my patience, BUT they finally got it!

[bigoakhunter]

My BC Marans have not learned to use the roost. They are 18 weeks old. I blocked off nestboxes and they just kept huddling on the floor. So i thought to my self, time for plan B. Went out at dark to close coop up and lifted each one up to the roost. Night 2, all on floor again. Repeat lifting them to roost. This goes on for the same way for 4 nights. Most of my other breeds either learned to roost on their own or only needed help one or two nights. So my patience is starting to wear a little thin.

Night 5, I go out and 2 birds are on the roost. Lift rest up.

Night 6, go out and 4 birds are on the roost. Lift rest up. ( Thinking to myself, they are finally getting this)

Night 7, go out and ALL , yes I did say ALL of them are on roost.

Whew! Let's see what tonight brings.

 

[NCchicken]

Hooray!

 

[CMV]

Kudos to you for persistence. They are much better off learning to roost at a young age. I have 3 y.o hens that never learned to roost and continue to refuse to do so. They get so messy when they don't roost. Their back sides get all poopy and it is unsightly.

Good work.

 

[kla37]

Mine are 18 weeks old too and just don't get it. I stopped bothering moving them and I hope they just pick it up on their own!

 

[Tartannik]

yay!!
I am getting some marans in a few weeks, I hope they know how to roost lol, or I will be having to do what you have been doin!!

 

[Boo-Boo's Mama]

Good job!

 

[tuesdays chicks]

I don't see the big deal of birds roosting. As long as they stay out of the nest at night. I have 1 hen who can't roost and she just sits on the floor below the others.

 

[Cynthia12]

Quote:
That was my problem..a few of mine would want to nest in, or over the nest boxes. Oh no you don't! I was doing the same thing the first one that posted did..went out when it was dark enough, moved them. They are getting the hang of it now.

 

[CMV]

Quote:
And I'll bet she is a mess as a result. They poop while they are sleeping and if it can't drop away like it does when they are roosting, it gets all stuck to their backsides. I have 5 hens that won't roost. I either have to keep them bathed, or keep their butt feathers all trimmed or look at a disgusting mess every time they walk away from me. It's gross!

 

[karimw]

My flock didn't want to roost either at first, but now most of them prefer the rafters to the lovely roost I built for them

At least the Cochins use it since they can't fly that high!