Why do chickens roost?

[Sultan2610]

Just as the title suggests why do chickens roost to sleep? Also what would be wrong with having chickens just sleeping in the nesting boxes always cozy looking? Thank you

 

[Fred's Hens]

Because of the tremendous amount of poop a chicken excretes at night, the laying nests would be filthy.

Chickens roosts to efficiently allow the poop to just drop. Further, a chicken feels secure roosting up high. Their feet are designed for "locking" around a tree branch ie, the roosting bar.

 

[Sultan2610]

Splendid answer, thank you very much!