They refuse to use the roost

[snaffle]

I built a roost and stairs up to it for my cochin banties about 6 years ago.
It has never been a problem until last year. My rooster and a couple of the hens refuse to roost up there. It is only 3 feet off the ground and the 'steps' going up to it looks like a ladder with lath strips that are spaced about one inch apart. so it is NOT dangerous.

I have gone in at night and set the rooster and the 2 hens up on the roost and still they jump down and roost on the nest.

any suggestions?

 

[keljonma]

It isn't so much as dangerous as it is about the birds' comfort level. Can you lower the roost?

 

[snaffle]

I have thought about lowering the roost. It boggles my mind because there was never a problem before last years hatch.
I assumed the 3 buff orpingtons that were always a gentle chicken, must have been chasing the younger cochins away, so I gave them away.

I have another cochin hen that wants to get higher than the roost, and if I set a cage on the roost, she will jump up on top of the cage and roost

 

[TexasVet]

Is the roost pole round or flat? My hens don't like to roost on the round pole I put up, because their feet can't grasp it well. They all prefer the 2x4 perches, regardless of which side of the board is up.

My chickens don't use a ladder either... they fly up to the roost poles, and even to the cross-beams near the ceilings.

Kathy, Bellville TX
www.CountryChickens.com

 

[krazycow6]

Is there roost at least 1ft above the nesting boxes? That could be your problem.