Why is it important for chickens to roost at night?

[NightsInWhiteSilkies]

Good answer on the Kazillion years!

Okay that makes sense now about their nails and being outside and the scratching around.
Thankyou very much!

 

[crooked stripe]

I have never though about them roosting that much. I have the roosts about 3 feet off the floor and they all roost. When they are young they tend to sleep in the corner but as they age they always end up on the roost. I just figured roosting was an instinct. My coop is also set up so they don't have to jump or fly up that high all at once. They can jump from floor to nest box to intermediate roost to the top. I believe if there was a roost above 3 feet they would go to the highest roost even if it was 7'. rj

 

[bobbieschicks]

My Silkies roost up high just like the rest of my flock. Everyone started on the ground and eventually ended up on the roost bar over the manure box. That's where I prefer them to roost since I'm the one that has to clean up after their poop

 

[Judy]

I've never owned a silkie but have read here that it's not unusual for them not to roost. Mine sleep in different places. I don't worry about it, if they don't sleep in the nests.

 

[teach1rusl]

I've read that silkies tend to take to roosting better if they're in with "regular" chickens. I've never had just silkies (mine are in with d'uccle), but I'd guess that's correct because mine DO roost - a roost about 20 inches high. I use a dropping board, so I'm appreciative that they roost (makes my job of clean-up easier). Plus I just don't like the idea of them sleeping in poo and it getting all over their furry feathers. But health-wise I can't see anything coming of it...

 

[JodyJo]

I had a little silkie, it was the first into the roost...same spot every night, top of the ladder so to say....sadly a coyote got her recently...but she was my only one and did VERY well with 'regular' chickens.

 

[7L Farm]

Roosting is a good habit to teach. It keeps all the poop right under their roost & out of the nest boxes. It helps them keep warm in cold weather. If I see one sleeping somewhere besides the roost I'll put her up on the roost. Everyones different no problem.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
Yep, but my silkie Jethro taught her chicks to roost too. Anywhere but in the nest is okay with me.