Do chickens need to have roasting perchs in the coop for them?
Roosting perchs?
- Thread starter kidfarmer
- Start date
kona26
In the Brooder
- Mar 15, 2015
- 45
- 5
- 24
I am no pro but I think they do so they don't sleep and poop on the eggs
Yes, they naturally roost at night. They should be higher than the nest boxes to prevent sleeping in them. A 2x4 wide side up with 12 inches or so per bird works well.
- Thread starter
- #4
I'll be sure to add those to my coop!
Silkies don’t fly so they may have trouble roosting. Some will roost if they can get up and down but some are quite happy staying on and sleeping on the floor.
Most chickens have a natural instinct to sleep on the highest thing they can get on. Occasionally you have some that won’t but almost always they do. That’s why you need roosts higher than the nests, to keep them from sleeping in the nests. They poop a lot when they sleep.
Most chickens have a natural instinct to sleep on the highest thing they can get on. Occasionally you have some that won’t but almost always they do. That’s why you need roosts higher than the nests, to keep them from sleeping in the nests. They poop a lot when they sleep.
- Thread starter
- #6
I have Rhode Island Reds and australorps so I'm not sure what they might do
Welcome! I use saplings/ tree branches, 3" to 4" diameter, bark on, as roosts. Many people use 2x4's, also good. My roosts are anywhere from three to eight feet high (4" fence post rafters!) and are used by both my bantams and the big birds. I also have way more than 12" per bird, so much less arguing over space at night. Mary
- Thread starter
- #8
Defienitly will try the saplings.. I have lots of those around thanks for the help
chickenfinger5
Hatching
The roosting idea has definatly worked and the separation the australorp chick has stopped pecking at the others eyes and it seems that all of the chicks are very amused with the perch! Thanks for all the ideas and suggestions we appreciate it!
gpeters3
Chirping
Well.....my idea isn't working. I used 2x4 on edge, about a foot in front and a few inches higher than the nest lip and they still prefer the nest boxes or front lip to roost. I'm using a nest box/feed hanger design which may make the perches too high. I added a 5 gal bucket with vertical nipples but even as high as I could hang it isn't really high enough for them to drink comfortably. They have to squat a bit and crane their necks.
Similar threads
New posts New threads Active threads
-
Latest threads
-
-
-
-
-
Rooster rehome in Southern Oregon
- Started by Daisydoottle
- Replies: 0
-
-
Threads with more replies in the last 15 days
-
-
-
-
Can I get some help from someone with careless neighbours who own dogs.- Started by RiDaGeckoGuy
- Replies: 102
-
-
