The Roost Shuffle

[fivehorizons888]

Hi Everyone,

So I have 12 hens that have more than enough roosting space for all of them to spread out (several feet of vacant space available - my roosts are all on the same level). However, I have hens that try to squeeze in next to other hens that are on top of the pecking order. These hens at the top of pecking order get annoyed by this and will peck at them and the hens just sit there and take it instead of moving. Sometimes they will just try to bury themselves under the other hens while roosting. Does anyone else have this issue and how can it be resolved?

thanks!

 

[Roo5]

It’s pretty normal actually.The only thing I can suggest is making more roost.

 

[DobieLover]

Hi Everyone,

So I have 12 hens that have more than enough roosting space for all of them to spread out (several feet of vacant space available). However, I have hens that try to squeeze in next to other hens that are on top of the pecking order. These hens at the top of pecking order get annoyed by this and will peck at them and the hens just sit there and take it instead of moving. Sometimes they will just try to bury themselves under the other hens while roosting. Does anyone else have this issue and how can it be resolved?

thanks!

Happens here all the time.
There's nothing to resolve. It's just they way they do things.
The lower that tucks her head under the girl next to her is the smart one that has figured out she doesn't get wailed on by sticking her head under the wailer.

 

[rosemarythyme]

It's completely normal. Even if they have set spots that they like to roost, every night, it's like they all have to fuss and argue over who goes where again.

 

[Fairview01]

Set your roosts at different heights. Having one roosts or multiple roosts at the same height puts all hens on equal footing despite social order. By having multiple heights the ones lower in the pecking order will roost lower and without being face to face the more dominant hens will not be inclined to reinforce the social hierarchy.

 

[aart]

It's completely normal. Even if they have set spots that they like to roost, every night, it's like they all have to fuss and argue over who goes where again.

Yes, Indeed!
Even in well established flocks the RoostTimeRumble happens every night.