When do they start roosting on the roosts?

[Galaxiedriver]

Our 11 RIRs and 11 BRs are 9 going on 10 weeks old. At night they go into the coop at dark, and all huddle together near the people door on the floor. During the day they use the roosts off and on, but not at night. During the day they spend most of the time outside in the enclosed run. I keep water there, but no food. They go into the coop for food unless we give them treats.

There is a window near one end of the roosts that I have left open and closed but that makes no difference. The coop is well ventilated.

At night, the outdoor light on the garage next to the coop left on and shines dimly through the window. It does not shine on the roost area. The roosts are 2 x 4s staggered at 1, 2 and 3 feet off the floor.

They are a healthy and happy bunch I'm sure. Do they just not roost at night at this young age?

 

[rdranch]

OVer the next several weeks you should see them gradually start to use the roost. It likely will be a few at first but over time they will all use it at night.

 

[Baymen Moe]

You can wait and they should roost soon. If you don't want to wait, go in after they have gone in the coop for the night and place each one on the roost. I did this with my 15 birds one night and the next night they went right to the roost. I could hardly believe it but it worked the first try. Just make sure they have settled a bit before you try.

Bill

 

[Billie]

We had 10 new chicks at one time, different breeds. It took them quite awhile to figure out roosting but eventurally all of them except the 3 silkies roosted. This year we added 7 more chicks to the bunch and they are roosting much faster than the last group. Do silkies just prefer to sleep on a nice cozy nest?

 

[sandy sea]

I had some 6 weeks old chicks roosting beside their Mom. It was so cute.

 

[DIMBY]

I have posted this before, so I know many of you are getting bored with it, but here it is again. My roost was way too high, they could jump up but getting down was a

-- the walls were too close. So, moved the perches down, and within hours all was well and they used the perches without fear of bashing their lil' bodies against the walls.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

Tonight I discovered my 3 week old EE chicks were roosting with mama in the main coop, not in their personal brooding space; AND four of the 6 chicks were roosting 4 ft off the ground with her and the other grownups! The other 2 were a mere 2 ft off the ground.
They grow up so fast.

 

[Alley]

I have 4 girls. Two fo them are a year old and they stopped roosting when the 20 week old girls mooved int the coop. Now they all sleep in the nesting box together? I don't get it, will they ever roost again?

 

[team guava pastry]

I used to worry like you, but they all just starting roosting on their own. They just seem to get it and nature took its course.

I was all worried

So don't they do it when they are ready.

tgp

 

[NotTheMomma]

Mine were flying up on the roost at 3 weeks old. The 6 week olds were flying 6ft to roost.