Chook Me!

Do chickens have to have a roost? What happens if they don't?

My bf and I made a coop for them but my design was not the best, I made their roost underneath the coop and I don't know if they will go down there. What happens if they don't have a place to roost? Will they get sick or be unhappy chickens? Will it affect their egg laying? I need a chicken expert!! HELP :)

Public Comments

1. If they don't have a roost they will just lay on the ground huddled together or lay in their nest boxes. If they choose to lay on the ground in the winter, they are liable to get sick from being cold. If they don't go on the roost the first night, you can wait until dark and try placing them on the roost and after a few nights, chickens will usually get the point most of the time.
2. a roosting box is a place where hens can lay peacefully and safely. If you do not give them a proper nesting area, they will make their own. If you want them to lay in a designated area, then it is ideal that you have a roosting area where they can reach. Other than that, it's just you may not be able to find where they lay their eggs.