Pro - Does anyone else's nest boxes get soaked in rain?

[Grandmashazzie]

I have my 2 laced Wyandottes in a Go Up,on the ground at present. I got them at 8 weeks and took out the roosting bars. At what age should I put the bars back so then can learn to roost. Also at what age can I start intros.PS they are bantams. Thank you. I think they are around 12 weeks now.

[Cat tails]

My bantams were on the roosting bars at 12 weeks, when I got them. Took some getting used too and I left the nestbox empty incase they wanted something more solid under their feet. But they were on the roosting bars quite quickly.

[Grandmashazzie]

Thanks Cats tails I'll give them a go. Their little legs are like straws I was worried they might get caught.

[Cat tails]

They did sometimes slip between the bars and still do by the way. But I only once had a problem with Ginger who managed to get her leg ring caught p, which popped open and was stuck around her thigh. She thought she was completely debilitated and hopped around, but it came of very easily.

[Redwing]

none of my lot roost when they are young it dents their keel bone which although not detrimental healthwise but it ruins them for showing and why let a bird get a deformity just in order to get them to roost

 

16 weeks onwards is safest

 

the old original ex batt cages never allowed for roosting but most freed ex batts learn how to perch so its not something dependent on them learning while they are young

[Grandmashazzie]

Thank you Redwing. At what age should I start intros?

[Redwing]

Ideally 20 weeks onwards but you can get away with intros from 16 weeks if they are confident chicks and the others are laid back