Roosting bar in run??

[Snadger]

I have just added a roosting bar to the chicks run. It's about 4 foot high and they love it. The run is totally enclosd with mesh and has paving flags around the inside to deter foxy.

A problem I can envisage is that they like their new roost so much, once we get the warm evenings they may not go into the coop and roost outside.

Even though I think the run is foxproof, if Reynard decides to have a stroll around, the chooks will be in full view and he will probably go beserk trying to get at them!

Any ideas anyone?

PS My chooks/chicks are at my allotment ......7 miles away!

[Glutton4...]

If they're used to roosting inside, I reckon they'll go in - I suppose time will tell! I have a friend who inherited chooks when she moved, one of them roosted in a tree on their driveway, because he always had!

[Sue]

Snadger
I have a fully enclosed and roofed run for the hens which I know from footprints in this winter's snow that foxes walk past at night. One of my hens chooses to sleep on the top of the henhouse and it obviously doesn't bother her. Although knowing this I do keep the henhouse away from the side of the run just in case a fox jumps up against the wire and frightens her.
It seems to be a choice she makes as during the very cold weather she chose to sleep with the others inside but as soon as it warmed up a little she was back on top of it again.
best wishes
Sue

[hmk]

We have a perch in our run, but they still take themselves off inside at night.

Occasionally they'll try to roost there, but it will be because I've forgotten to open the house door again after cleaning them out, or something

They prefer to go in the house, so I think they'll be ok.

HMK

[Nicos]

Is it fairly easy to put up and take down each day- and just leave it propped up in the corner of the run at night???

[lynda66]

my girls are usually in the garden for most of the day, and are often fast asleep perched on the compost heap .... as soon as evening approaches they go back to their run and toddle straight into the shed before it's even dark .... so don't think you'll have too many problems

[Snadger]

Is it fairly easy to put up and take down each day- and just leave it propped up in the corner of the run at night???

This is a thought I've had Nicos............It's a case of 'I'll cross that bridge IF I come to it'?

Time will tell....thanks everyone for the info!

[bluemoon]

Following Lynda's example I've some branches to put in the run, we just haven't got around to it yet. I don't think they'll sleep out there though, after just a week there's already a distinct roosting order and much shuffling about until each bird is in its own place. Coco by the ventilation 'window' then Gytha, Esme, Agnes and finally Magrat. Another reason I think Elvis wasn't happy when he was in with them was that he always roosted alone on the second perch.

[HayleyB]

I think Nicos idea is the only option really

[Nicos]

bluemoon- we have a branch just outside the coop for them to sit on during the day- only a couple of them use it- but they always go indoors together for the night- out of their own choice!

also.....hmm....my first born chick- now nearly 13 weeks sits on 'it's' own at the far end of one of the perches- and non of the others seem to get on with it...sort of making me wonder if it's a 3rd boy in the group??????..but I thought that was the one which laid the 10g egg...hmmm...still will need to see if 'it' starts to crow...and then it's in the pot!!!!

[Snadger]

Here they are giving it the seal of approval!

[MaureenHall]

Love it Mine said can they have one too please Uncle Snadge

[HayleyB]

I love it Uncle Snadge now all us ladies (rather than Laydees) want you to turn the camera around and take a piccy of you cause we're all dying to know how lucky Mrs Snadge is

[MaureenHall]

I love it Uncle Snadge now all us ladies (rather than Laydees) want you to turn the camera around and take a piccy of you cause we're all dying to know how lucky Mrs Snadge is

So his avatar isn't really him then? Oh my goodness!!! Shock horror!!!!

[HayleyB]

oh dear, *wipes tears from eyes...........