At what age do chicks need a roost?

[Uncle Marc]

I just built a brooder box then realized it is too small for 20 chicks much beyond 2 weeks (4 x 2). I am now planning on moving them into the coop soon after that (with a heat source- it will be below freezing). But I don't know if they can stay on the floor or when they will need to roost. What say ye peeps?

 

[cravenchx]

When my babies were 2 weeks,
we used small twigs from corner to
corner in the brooder.

 

[jmtcmkb]

Mine used one right after the first week, when they were able to hop up on it, they used their ecoglow as a roost-

 

[Fred's Hens]

I give my chicks a little "starter" roost that is only a 2x2 by about 6 feet long, and only 4" off the ground. They love it. I've had pullets take to the roost much faster after employing this little practice roost in the brooder. The practice roost isn't permanently attached, it is free standing on a little base of plywood.

 

[NinnyGillaspie]

I put a limb from corner to corner of the pen at about 2 weeks. They knew just what to do.Now they are 4 weeks, outside, and the roosts are even higher, and they love it!

 

[Chemguy]

I bought a wooden yardstick in the paint section at a local big-box store, then passed it through the wire dog cage I was using, flat side up. The chicks used it right away, on day 2. It started about 1 inch above the floor, and I moved it up every so often.

 

[KFaye]

My chicks are a week old and roosting on a low stick. Will keep moving it up a few days at a time. If they don't seem to want it will lower stick for a short time. They are so funny on the roost.