Almost done with coop, Please look at my roost config

[Poison Ivy]

I use 2x4 now and I've also used closet rods as roosts before too. I like the 2x4's better they don't sag under the weight of all my chickens using the top roost. I' would say you are fine and if you already installed them way change it now?

 

[michellerene]

I compromised on the whole issue & used 2 x 2's. We'll see when they start roosting. I think they'll use whatever you give them, kwim?

 

[barg]

Parrots will use whatever you give them, but if you give them the wrong size perch , the wrong shape, wrong texture, their feet get screwd up.

Just thought ide add that for consideration.
I am a parrot expert, or at least I was 11 years ago

and not a chicken expert.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I'll throw my 2 cents in.

Due to structure of a chickens feet & roosting habits, they have to have something they can sit on.
You can use flat or round.

If you use flat, either go wide (2x4, 2x6) or smaller with rounded edges (2x2).

If you use round, make sure it is at least 4 inches in diameter.
Chickens feet aren't designed to grip their roost. Their bodies are too large to have to balance in their sleep.

We mainly use flat, but we have one roost made out of large tree branches screwed together. They roost on the largest of these.


Jean

 

[barg]

When I had parrots I used apple if I wanted natural branches, getting an apple tree branch large enough for a chicken, seems like it would be hard to find.

So what do you use....


I'll switch out the center beam for a natural alternative if I can come up with something, that way they can have a choice.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

We have Oak, Pecan, Hickory, and Cedar trees.

We use any large branches except for the cedar. My free rangers use the cedars right by the house to roost in, but since a coop gets locked up, I figure the cedar scent can't dissipate in such a confined space.

Oh, and we debark the branches. Well, the goats actually do it for us.


Jean

 

[schmoo]

I'm no expert for certain, actually I haven't even built mine yet. The babies are only 3 weeks old. I'm going to use flat though because I also read that in areas where its very cold they should be able to sit on their feet for warmth.