Best materials for roosts?

[Chelseyb123]

I'm redoing my coop come spring an was thinking of replacing my roosts which are large thick tree branches. Should I use something else?

 

[JackE]

I used 2X4"s, wide side up. I routered/rounded off the edges, and painted them. They sit in notches, so they are easily removed for coop cleaning.

 

[Meg-in-MT]

From what I understand, roosts should be 2x4's with the 4" side being the one they stand on. Or at least something that is wide enough for them to stand flat footed on. Both because they aren't meant to grip rounds like your average bird and because they can get their feet completely covered up with their bodies when it's cold. I have 1x4's in one coop and 2x4's in the other, with the 2" side up, but that is getting changed this spring. I know everyone is different and prefers different things, but that is what I'm choosing to do and the reason why!

 

[RNPAULIE69]

I have two roosting areas in my run..one is a large dowel and the other is a 2x4 flat side up..all spring and summer the girls would take a mid morning nap on the dowel. Once the temps hit 30s and below they haven't touched it. They use the 2x4 exclusively. We have had a few days where it was quite nice outside and they were back on the dowels!

 

[aart]

I like 2x4's for roosts.

 

[Shadyfarms]

Yeah I use 2x4's (not pressure treated). 4" side up otherwise their toes will get frost bite. Don't use 2x2, not wide enough. You could use really thick tree branches as well, just make sure that when they sit on it, their toes are covered.

 

[IamRainey]

I love the look of natural branches and have driftwood roosts in the run. But I have 2X4s wide-side-up in the coop because it's so easy to scrape poo off the flat surfaces.

I also have to think that there's less gripping and balancing required so the girls get a more sound night's sleep.

 

[Egghead_Jr]

2x2's are easy and cheap. If longer span 2x3 or 2x4. My 2x2's span 7 feet and may hold up to ten birds- haven't broken yet.

 

[Hokum Coco]

thinking of replacing my roosts

There are basically two schools of thought on this site. I use 2x4 wide side up personally. You already employ the other school of thought. I think both are more than adequate for a flock of chickens.

 

[Harmony Fowl]

I used 2x4s and prebuilt stair pieces on a pallet table.