Why won’t they roost??

[Blanchesmama]

This summer, we “redecorated” our coop, as it was in need of repairs (and something got in and killed all our babies except one). We basically rebuilt the coop, put in 2x4s for them to roost on at a couple different levels so they could get up off the floor, complete with a small ramp for them to get up to the first level. The silly things have built a little place in the corner with straw, and they all huddle there! Our last set of chickens did the same thing all last year, as well. I would love for them to be up off the floor where it would be warmer, but they don’t like it! We’ve tried putting them up on the roosts, and they just immediately jump down. Is this normal or are by babies just stubborn??

 

[Farmgirl1878]

How old are they? Is there a draft at the roost level? Pics of the coop would help too!

 

[Lady Lionheart]

My chickens wouldn't roost either, until I started leaving the light on for them to see the roosts. Then I would turn the light off when they were on them. I still have to do this nightly because some still go to the corner.

 

[RoosterML]

I believe it is because they are still to young. Mine kept sleeping on the floor when i first got them this spring. I believe they were 16 weeks and still sleeping on the floor. Took alittle while but they started to roost. Seems like everything ends up on the floor at first including the eggs. Not sure what happens but the next thing you know they start to lay in the nesting boxes. Still to young i think.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Photo of the roost set up? Maybe there's a draft, or insufficient light, or something about the shape/placement that they don't like. Do they ever try going up there on their own?

If you're trying to train them by putting them up there, you need to do it when it's dark enough that they can't see well so that they don't jump back down.

 

[blackdog043]

Pictures of the inside and roost area may help?

I set up a small roost and have branches in the brooder after 3 weeks, so they get used to getting up off the ground. My last chicks were up roosting with the big girls at 6 weeks.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Yes photos will really help