If your hens are not taking to the roost in your new henhouse, they probably just need more time to develop a comfort level in the new space. If the layout of the space is considerably different, they may not have identified the new roost for what it is yet. A few days of manually placing your birds on the roost should help them get the hang of it. If they still steer clear of it after a week or two, it may be that something about its size, location, or even texture of the roost is unappealing to them and needs adjustment, but in most cases, they’ll settle into the swing of things in quick order.
Hi Lynn, and thanks for your question!
If your hens are not taking to the roost in your new henhouse, they probably just need more time to develop a comfort level in the new space. If the layout of the space is considerably different, they may not have identified the new roost for what it is yet. A few days of manually placing your birds on the roost should help them get the hang of it. If they still steer clear of it after a week or two, it may be that something about its size, location, or even texture of the roost is unappealing to them and needs adjustment, but in most cases, they’ll settle into the swing of things in quick order.
All best,
Joe Bills
Associate Editor
OFA