We're having some roost problems..

[Maya Vance]

So our three chickens have a good roost in their coop.
But they really like to roost on this one pole on our back door into the backyard. Every night, we move them into the coop onto the roost and they seem fine with that. But it's getting kind of cold and I just dont want to deal with putting them in every night.
Is there a way to train them all into going to their roost in the coop at night?
Thanks in advance,
M

 

[azygous]

It's as simple as blocking off their favorite illicit perch. Keep it blocked until they've adopted the habit of sleeping in the coop.

 

[sourland]

Check the coop and roost to make sure they are not infested with mites.

 

[ChickNanny13]

Train them to go in their coop (treats) at a certain time & close the door.
My 4 Whitings (18wks) finally roosting at night but not where I want them So started putting them up to where I want them (roost over the poop board), it's been raining alot & haven't been consistent. I'm hoping they'll get the message soon.

 

[aart]

So our three chickens have a good rost in their coop.
But they really like to roost on this one pole on our back door into the backyard. Every night, we move them into the coop onto the roost and they seem fine with that. But it's getting kind of cold and I just dont want to deal with putting them in every night.
Is there a way to train them all into going to their roost in the coop at night?
Thanks in advance,
M

@Maya Vance Have they ever roosted in the coop?
Do you have a run...I'd confine them to coop and run for a week or two.
Posting pics of coop, inside and out, might help us help you find a remedy.

 

[50-45-1]

is there a way to block off or remove this pole they prefer?
it also may be that there is something they dont like about the coop roost set-up and are voting with their feet. is there a window in your coop so they can see to roost?
pictures would definitely help us.

 

[Lori J]

So our three chickens have a good roost in their coop.
But they really like to roost on this one pole on our back door into the backyard. Every night, we move them into the coop onto the roost and they seem fine with that. But it's getting kind of cold and I just dont want to deal with putting them in every night.
Is there a way to train them all into going to their roost in the coop at night?
Thanks in advance,
M

We have a similar situation. One group would go into their roost at night, while the other group would refuse. (we have two coups). Now after six months they have switched around and the first group refuses to go up at night while the second group does it voluntarily. I am confused by this stubbornness too!

 

[ChickNanny13]

UPDATE: Took 3 nites of physically putting them on the roost above the poop board, they are now roosting over the poop board

@Lori J Sounds like you have 2 coop w/roosts and your flock is split into 2 groups. If you want them in one coop, then close one coop. What is the dimensions of your coop (s)? Picture would help

 

[Lori J]

UPDATE: Took 3 nites of physically putting them on the roost above the poop board, they are now roosting over the poop board

@Lori J Sounds like you have 2 coop w/roosts and your flock is split into 2 groups. If you want them in one coop, then close one coop. What is the dimensions of your coop (s)? Picture would help

Yes they stay in two groups. I let them sleep separately, otherwise there would be much unnecessary pecking. it doesn’t bother me that the sleep separately.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Is there a way to train them all into going to their roost in the coop at night?

Three chickens implies that the coop may be fairly small. Could you please provide some dimensions in feet and especially some photos of how it is set up inside? My interests in the coop are the relationship of the roosts to nests and other things, how easy is it for them to get on and off the roosts, what ventilation you have, and how much light gets in. Any of those could have an effect.

How long have they been sleeping that perch in the run? How long have you been putting them in at night? That's how I train mine to sleep in the coop, stick them in when it gets dark. Sometimes they all get the message after a time or two. I had one group that it took three weeks for the last three to get the message. That was with a group of about 20.

Sourland has a good point, check for roost mites. Roost mites do not live on the chickens but hide in cracks and dark spots in the coop. They hate light. When it is dark they swarm to feed off of the chickens.