Bed Time

[claudiabostic]

I have plenty of roost space and still sometimes one will elect to sleep on the floor. As long as there isn't a draft it shouldn't be a problem. If the only available roost space would put a hen next to her enemy or next to a much higher dominance hen, then she won't want to stay there.

 

[britinpa]

I have plenty of roost space and still sometimes one will elect to sleep on the floor. As long as there isn't a draft it shouldn't be a problem. If the only available roost space would put a hen next to her enemy or next to a much higher dominance hen, then she won't want to stay there.

That could work.

Thank you! What do you think the ideal roost size should be? I've read 2 x 2, or 2 x 4 (with the 4 inch side facing up).

 

[claudiabostic]

Thank you! What do you think the ideal roost size should be? I've read 2 x 2, or 2 x 4 (with the 4 inch side facing up).

I have roost bars both ways in some coops and the 2x4s with the skinny side up are the favorites. I've read that the 1.5 inches is just about perfect size for an adult chicken to grasp. I sand down the corners so they're a little rounded and put on a couple coats of paste wax or finishing wax (not furniture polish) to help keep moisture from soaking into the board. You can also use any kind of food grade wax like beeswax or carnauba wax.

 

[rosemarythyme]

We're trying to think of how to add another roost. Saw this plan of a 6 x 4 coop with bars running cross ways, so we are thinking of putting one extra in like that

I'd either do 2 across 4' span, or leave what you currently have and go L-shape with an additional bar going across 4' span.

 

[WindingRoad]

Occasionally I've gone to lock my girls up and there's been one of them wandering around the coop floor. Couple of times in the past I've just picked them up and put them on the roost bar. Last night I held a flash light in there and she finally jumped up. Tonight, I tried the flashlight and she just kept walking around, then another jumped down. I've left them for a while and am going to check on them soon. If they are still on the floor, would you pick them up and put them on the roost bar or just leave them?

Yes I'd pick them up and put them on the roost. Might take several nights to a week before they get up on their own and stay there.

 

[aart]

Thank you! What do you think the ideal roost size should be? I've read 2 x 2, or 2 x 4 (with the 4 inch side facing up).

I like 2x4 wide side up, but some of my birds roost on the 2" edge of poop boards...or right on the flat of boards.

 

[britinpa]

Thanks all! Your replies are appreciated.