Why are 5-8 week old birds huddling in a group by the wall at night?

[Kittymomma]

They like to huddle in corners and such, I think it makes them feel protected and safe. If you're concerned about the ones on the bottom getting crushed you could try making a three sided box for them from scrap plywood that is a bit larger then their current favorite spot and then put it where they like to huddle now.....chooks can be strange though so there's no telling if they'll use it or just find another tiny space to cram themselves into.

 

[ssdyle]

Well , good to know its not just us with strange chickens. We have 12 black Jersey giants,about 10 weeks old, and they all sleep in a pile as well.Yesterday I built them a nice stair type roost with 3 seperate rails and they looked at it like it was going to eat them.I baited 5 of them to the top with some lettuce, They hung out till the treat was gone then hopped down.DW checked on them last night and they were once again in a big pile in the corner.Oh well.
We'll see what happens as they get bigger.
Sonny

 

[flgardengirl]

Most of mine went through the huddle stage when they first went from brooder to coop. I do have several big roosters that do not like to roost. They sleep in front of the door like guards lol.
They actually sit in the doorway until I come lock up the coop. One will stand guard in the yard in front of the door until it is dark, then sit there in the doorway. He is the lead roo in his group.
He also makes sure they are all inside when it gets dark before he will go in. If they won't go in he chases them in lol.

 

[palochknldy]

They just love each other! Mine do it all the time especially when sitting in front of the fan. Just hanging out with their BFF's

 

[buffalobaroness]

Well we put the aviary netting over the top of the chick's real estate today. No more worries about hawks, bobcats or anything else that might get in from the topside. I am wondering though if I should still shut the door of their coop. They are physically safe because nothing can get in to get them. Their area is surrounded by a 10 ft high fence that has 1"x2" 12 ga. fencing. There is also stucco grade wire buried 4 feet in the ground around the entire perimeter of the coop and attached to all fencing. The aviary top netting is solid, no holes or openings anywhere. My worry is that if I leave the door to their coop open they may still be scared if the coyotes are outside the fence of their coop area. Should I shut their door to keep them emotionally safe? I did put up a couple more long roosts that run lengthwise across the coop and the chick-piling isn't so bad tonight. There is hope but should I keep shutting the door to make them feel safe? Thanks everybody!!