Trouble Roosting

[sarah09]

Hi! I have 2 hens (6wks). I was given a guinea box for them. They have only been outside for 3 days, but will not go into their box. I have to physically pic them up at dusk and move them. Is the box I have going to be too small? There isn't a pole fo them either. From what I'm reading we may have to build another one. Thanks in advance.

 

[keith92]

how big is the box? can you put the box in a pen so they can use it as shade to train them to go in it. if so start there. chickens like to perch so try putting a perch in the guinea box if you have the space.

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC! You might like to check out the BYC Learning Center, lots of good articles on all aspects of chicken keeping you'll find helpful. https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/1/Learning_Center How big is the box you have? Chickens need about 4-5 square feet inside the coop and 10 outside the coop, so your box should be around 8-10 square feet big not counting nest boxes and feed/water. Usually you want to lock them in a new coop for a few days so they get used to thinking of it as home and they will then go back to it at night, make sure they can get into it easily with a ramp etc. Most chickens do want to roost eventually, so you should have a roost pole in there for them to use.

 

[TwoCrows]

Welcome to BYC!

I am not sure how big your box is, but as Kelsie has said, they are going to need 4 to 5 square feet per bird in the coop. You will have to train them to use the coop and is suggested locking them inside the coop for a couple of days so they know where home is and return each evening. As for roosting, you can place them on the bars at night til they get the hang of it. They will learn eventually.

Good luck with your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[gander007]

 

[drumstick diva]

If the box is meant as a coop, it needs to have ventilation - if it gets too hot in your climate, they aren't going to want to be there.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!