Training them to roost

[Sallysitter]

I had to have a giggle at some of the posts brings back memories. We moved our 20 8 wk old chicks to their new house with run attached at 8 weeks old. Kept them in that area for about 1 week before I let them out to free range so they could get use to it. I had to go down each night for a week (at dusk) with a torch and put each one of them on the roost (they would huddle on the floor near the door). They soon worked it out may have even been 2 weeks. There is only one now that prefers the floor. They are 7 mths old now. I did keep food & water in the shed but then removed it and put it in the run. too messy in the shed.

 

[wloundy]

I didn't know about the whole roosting business when I first put chickens in my homemade coop. So I quickly banged together some 2x4s in a long, low U-shape and had a wobbly little roost that stood about 8 inches off the floor of the coop. I haven't ever seen them get on it. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong...? The birds seem super happy and are laying like champions.

 

[aart]

I didn't know about the whole roosting business when I first put chickens in my homemade coop. So I quickly banged together some 2x4s in a long, low U-shape and had a wobbly little roost that stood about 8 inches off the floor of the coop. I haven't ever seen them get on it. Not sure if I'm doing something wrong...? The birds seem super happy and are laying like champions.

Huh, Really?!
Gave me a chuckle....
I guess they don't need roosts, but most sure like them...the higher the better.

Anyway.... Welcome to BYC @wloundy !

You should be able to start a new thread in the coop forum and post some pics to get some feedback.

 

[wloundy]

Quote:
Done! Go check it out: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/1171534/our-first-coop-built-on-a-shoestring