why do my chooks need a roost?

[mfranti]

some use it, others sleep on the floor. or on the rim of the nest box (that nobody uses)

for fun, i put a few rocks on the floor tonight and they all are perched nicely on them right now.

any suggestions? do they have to have a roost? and why?

 

[arlee453]

They usually prefer a roost. They will also stay cleaner if they can perch up on something where they aren't pooping during the night and squatting right in it.

As they get older, they more and more want to be up higher, generally, to sleep - but there's always the odd bird or two who will choose some other sleeping arrangement.

And silkies can't roost too high unless you have stair steps going up since they can't fly.

 

[WoodlandWoman]

They can have preferences on what they like in a roost, also. The size and shape, how far away from the wall it is, as well as how high it is or how easy it is to get up there, whether it's in a draft or even what it's made of.

 

[chickenfanatic]

my experience is they will use it when they are ready and yes they are picky and sure do have their preferences spoiled lil boogers hahaha. good luck