Almost done with coop, Please look at my roost config

Wow, it all looks so nice and new, lol. Nice job!

chel

 

Looks like you're going to have some happy chickens!

 

I'd suggest a pole or large branch instead of 2X4 to roost on.

 

My roost poles are all round.

 

Barg,

My top roost is a 1 x 2 and the do fine on it. It is only 10''s below the peak of coop. I did'nt think they had enough room to get up there but they do. The lower roost is a 1 x 1 and they use it just to get to the top. It looks to me like they will have no trouble getting up there. The books all say they need more room than mine ever use. { they also forgot to read the book as others have stated on this forum} Well in the cooler weather any way its been fine. If it is hot at night they may need the space the books all say they need which is if I read it right, 8" each for bantams and 10" each for standards. Like I said mine have 6 feet on the top roost and I have 7 girls { 2 are bantams } and there is always lots of spare room. We have'nt gone through a hot summer yet?

You could always put a small lower roost if it looks like they are having trouble. How far is your roost from the floor?

Chickens are very adaptable and some times I think we over think things. When we were building my dh was the desision maker on the coop and would say they are only chickens they will be fine with it. He was always right.

PS Don't tell him I said he was always right.lol

 

I heard that if you are where its cold to make them flat so the chickens end up sitting on thier feet and keeping them warm.

 

I don't know if flat or round is better but here is what I have observed with mine.

I have some in a dog crate that is all wire (so it is open). I have secured large dow(sp) rods across it
for them to roost on. When they are on the rods the will wrap the toes around in much like my cockatial did.