Why aren’t they using the roost?

[JazzyLoo]

This is our coop with one of our chicks on the roost. They don’t seem to stay on it. Instead I find them along the ledge around the inside of the coop. Will they eventually start roosting or do I need to bring the roost boards up so they are flat? They are almost 4 weeks old so I’m thinking its because they are so young yet?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Those won't be comfortable roosts. I recommend a 2x4. Sand it well. You can put the 2 or the 4 up. You will need to notch your side boards or screw the 2x4 between the side supports, which is what we do.

 

[rosemarythyme]

They are quite young to be wanting to roost without a hen showing them, and because of the way the ladder is assembled, you have an edge pointing upward right under the feet, so not very comfortable. If you have a flat roost, you want a flat part to be parallel to the ground.

 

[WallyG74]

Lots of people use 2x4s so I’m not hatin’ but I cut real trees about 3” in diameter. My birds love it but I had to train them to the roost. I had flat spots over the nest boxes. They roosted there. I put boards at a steep angle over the nests. They roosted in the nest. So I waited until dark, slipped out to the coop and started picking chickens out of the nests and putting them on the roost. After about 3 tries, one stayed... all night! I had to leave for a week for work and when I came back all 6 were sleeping on the roost. They just got to learn.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

2x4's, especially if the 4 is up can give birds a flat enough roost so their toes are covered in winter by their chest feathers. Exposed toes will get frostbite if you are in a colder climate.

A more flat roost also helps older birds who may have some arthritis in their feet. They don't need to grip so hard.

 

[JazzyLoo]

Those won't be comfortable roosts. I recommend a 2x4. Sand it well. You can put the 2 or the 4 up. You will need to notch your side boards or screw the 2x4 between the side supports, which is what we do.

Thank you. Do you possibly have a photo?