Why won't they roost?

So you got these girls recently? Yes, it can be normal for them to not roost but they look pretty big, how old are they? If you want them on the roost, put 'em up there!

How did they get under the coop? If they are new to this coop they need to acclimate to it. I lock my into the coop for a few weeks before letting them out.

Btw, love the branch!

 

At that age they should be roosting. Put 'em on the roost; they'll catch on.

If your coop is the truly predator-proof part of your housing gig (as it is for most) and your run is for daytime (i.e. not as safe), then you need to lock them into the coop until they all understand that that is where they sleep.

 

When I put my to chickens in their new coop they wouldn't perch at all. After a few nights of them sleeping on the ground I decided to go out when their light went out and put them on the perch. I put them on the perch probably 3-4 nights in a row and then on the 4 of 5th night I went outside and they'd figured out how to get up on the perch themselves!!!

 

I had a couple that at first didn't want to roost, and then another one later on who decided that nest boxes were better for sleeping (and pooping!) than any old roost. Just lock em all in the coop when it gets dark. Then AFTER dark go out there and physically place them on the roosts. It may take a few times, but eventually they'll get the idea. They won't come off the roost after dark because they can't see.