To roost or not

[rosemarythyme]

Had one group of chicks that roosted on the main roost at 6 weeks.
Was at the far end, but still... I was flabbergasted.

My first group of integrated chicks were allowed on the main (top) roost at 5 1/2 weeks, at the far end of course. Only had 3 hens at the time which helped.

My current group of chicks began roosting at 4 week 1 day. They would love to sleep on the top roost, but the hens won't have it, so they're on the bottom roost for now.

 

[aart]

My first group of integrated chicks were allowed on the main (top) roost at 5 1/2 weeks, at the far end of course. Only had 3 hens at the time which helped.

My current group of chicks began roosting at 4 week 1 day. They would love to sleep on the top roost, but the hens won't have it, so they're on the bottom roost for now.

The group of 4 I have now mama had up there at 3 weeks, now that she's weaned them I'm lucky to keep them out of the nests.

 

[rosemarythyme]

The group of 4 I have now mama had up there at 3 weeks, now that she's weaned them I'm lucky to keep them out of the nests.

I've still never had hen go broody at the right time (close, twice, but no cigar). So these are all brooder raised chicks.

Really proud of my current chicks for figuring out roosting - didn't even have to bring out my baby roost for them. I had a cage in the coop to safely acclimate them to being inside the coop, but they put themselves on the roost after 2 days, so that was that.

 

[Ridgerunner]

My experience has been a lot closer to Aart's. There are always exceptions, chickens are never consistent. Every now and then I'll have some that make it up there early but not many. I wonder how much coop or roost layout has to do with it. My main roosts at tree branches 8 feet long. Sometimes my adults sleep in a group near the window but other flocks really spread out on the roost anyway, not leaving any clear areas for the chicks.

 

[City Farmer Jim]

All your advice and thoughts are exactly why I LOVE this place. As you all have predicted 4 of the 5 Bigs went right to roost last night and when I checked after dark(lights out) the 5th had roosted. I guess I wasn't as patient as I should have been...they are working it out naturally. Well all but 1 that is lol we have 1 13 week old gold laced Wyandotte that is down to her last tail feather. She thinks she's a BIG GIRL now lol they show her it ain't so.