Why wait a month to provide a roost?

[Brandnewbie]

I just got my first batch of chicks two weeks ago. I got 2 silkies, 3 speckled sussex, 3 rir and 2 australtorp. They all seem to be doing well, doubled their weight in a week.

The sources I've seen say to provide chicks with a perch once they're 4 weeks old.

I'm wondering, why not earlier?

I build a small roost of 3/4 x 3/4 square wood, the chicks love jumping on and over them, and sometimes resting/sleeping on them.

Am I harming the chicks or creating future problems by having roosts at 10 days old?

 

[TonySorrento]

I hope not .. mine have been roosting since 3 days old

 

[Apyl]

I've never heard that before. I had a roost in the brooder from day one, they started using the roost right before they turned 2 weeks old. They are now 2 1/2 weeks old and will sleep on the roost, heck the use the feeder and waterer as a roost also.

 

[OkChickens]

I hatch quite a few chicks a year and I try to have a roost in their brooder if possible.

Nate

 

[Brandnewbie]

Thanks All

Storrey's and a couple of places here said add roost at 4 weeks, but they do seem to enjoy it so much I hated the idea of taking it out.

 

[Lexi Smith]

I didn't know that! I have some two weeks old. I will try tomorrow. Thanks for the tip!

 

[felidaet]

I put a roost in my brooder when I set up he brooder. The roost is only 2" above the floor. The chicks start using it very early.