Roosts

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TillinWithMyPeeps

TillinWithMyPeeps

Waiting for Spring...
11 Years
Aug 22, 2008
1,168
5
169
Ohio
Hi,
I need to put roosts in the coop, what would be the best way to do this? My first reaction would be to use something like a broomstick or a thick dowel rod, however I heard that these can hurt the chicken's feet. What would be the best material to use, and what requirements (width, height from floor) need to be met?

Thanks!
 
I think the best roost (especially in a cold climate) is a 2x4 with the "4" side up. That way the chickens can keep their feet warm through the cold weather. It's also very comfortable for them. I don't know where you live.

Don't use anything metal or too small of a diameter.
 
I used 2x4's with the 4" side up. Anymore they're not really 2x4's. This is a pretty old picture. On the left is the lower roost. It is over wire so most of the poop goes through the wire and the litter stays reletively clean.
 
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cmom,

I like that setup with your roosts. Can you give me an idea about the dimensions of it and how many birds use it? I'm building a new one and am open for suggestions.

Yardegg
 
I recommend the 2x4 with 4 side up.

Here is what I did, I bought the ends to steps, in other words, they are the end wood portion of a stair case. They are the part you screw the actual step to. I bought two then nailed one to each side of the coop and then nailed down my 2x4 for the roost (ladder style). It worked great. I bought them at Lowes, I am sure you can make your own so if you get by Lowes are Home Depot go to the lumber section and you will see what I am talking about. They were not terrible expensive (although this was about 5 years ago).

I have mixed flock of bantams and heavy breeds so I started my roost at 30 inches above the floor and went up. I have a total of 5, 2x4's.

I also recommend a dropping board under the roosts (elevated) to catch the poo. I also bought a linoleum remnant to lay over the board. Each week I take a dust pan with brush and sweep up the poo, place in a five gallon bucket and then throw on my flower beds and garden. Then once a month I remove the linoleum spray with a bleach solution and hose off. This set up works great and it also saves the litter from getting really dirty, therefore, I only have to change the litter maybe two or three times a year. So my point is the roost system I built cost a little extra in the beginning but I have more than saved the cost over the years as I don't have to clean out the coop nearly as often thus saving money on bedding.
 
That is what i'm going to do in my new coop, 2x4 with the 4" part up.
do about 8" per standered chicken.
 
I am using 2x4 w/4" side up along with a droppings board

IMG_5762.jpg
 
Wow, Gunslinger. That is an awesome setup. Makes mine look pretty low-rent.
Nice job!


BTW, my company's HQ is in Warwick, RI - Looks like you're just west of there.
.
 
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