My chickens don't roost

[froomeonthebroom]

Should I worry about this or just let them sleep in the nest boxes?

If mine try to sleep in the nest boxes I hoick them out into the roosting area once they're drowsy. it breaks the habit. I don't like pooey eggs!

Mine never slept in the roosting bit either. They always crammed into the nesting box.

How old are they? Mine did that until they were about 18 weeks, then they got the idea.

Have you had your oven checked recently? Perhaps the temperature needs calibrating, or the seal is wonky?

Hahahhhaa Roost not Roast :D

It's annoying because they poo in the nestbox and you get dirty eggs but otherwise it's not a problem.
Hoick them out if you can be bothered. Or put a flowerpot in the nestbox so they can't sleep in it, but only if you can be confident of taking it out again before they lay.

Maca

They are only 17 weeks so maybe they'll get the hang of it when they start laying.

Thanks for the replies!

Mine are over a year old and still sleep in the nest box, all crammed in in a row. I don't think I'm going to change their minds now. There is the occasional dirty egg but they seem to put their bums over the edge for most of the poos .

Could have sworn that said roast .

Are the nest boxes higher than the perches? If so they'll stay in the. Nest box.

I think it's weather here. Thinking about it, when the warmer weather came they started to roost more. They alternate, funnily. One facing one way on the rear perch, one facing the other way on the front perch, etc. Very funny to see 4 little bodies pressed together in a neat pattern.

When it was colder, they huddled in the nest boxes.

Yes my perches are lower but dh bought me the coop as a Christmas present and didn't realise it would be a problem. I decided not to mention in the interests of not appearing to be an ungrateful cow .(Besides, I don't mind the thought of them cuddled up all cosy-like.)