How to Get Chickens to Roost

Chickens naturally want to roost, so if yours do not, something's wrong. Birds generally feel safer and happier off the ground at night. Chickens might roost during the day, but getting them to roost in their coop at night where they are safe from predators is especially important. If your chickens do not want to roost there is probably something wrong with the way you setup their coop. The perches might be too high, for example. Get your chickens to roost at night by making their coop as comfortable and natural as possible.

Things You'll Need

  • Perches
  • Round plastic bowls
  • Straw
  • Scissors
  • Collection plate
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Instructions

    • 1

      Adjust the height of the perches so they are at least 18 inches off the ground. Perches that are too low might not entice the chickens to roost on them. Do not place the perches too high because that can upset the chickens.

    • 2

      Set all the perches parallel to the ground and at the same height, if there is room in the coop. Perches at different heights can lead to chickens fighting for the top perch, which could chase away some chickens. Rods should be about 1 inch in diameter.

    • 3

      Place nesting boxes around the coop to further encourage the chickens to spend time in there. Cut the front out of round, plastic bowls. Put the bowls on the floor or a ledge anywhere in the coop, but closer to the ground than the perching rods. Position them under a ledge to protect them from chicken poop.

    • 4

      Turn the cut-out portion to face forward so the chickens can walk into them. Cover the bottom of the bowls with straw or wood shavings for bedding. Buy pre-made, covered nesting boxes if you do not have a ledge or cover to protect the boxes from poop.

    • 5

      Clean the coops at least once a week. Failing to clean the coop makes it smelly and the ammonia from their droppings can harm your chickens. Put a collection tray beneath the perches to catch droppings and allow for easier cleaning.