best roost design

[A-TeamMama]

I've been searching off and on for a month and can't seem to find the answer to my question. What is the optimum size needed for a roost. I read in a few places that too narrow of boards could cause bumble foot and I'd like to prevent that best I can. I currently have an area designated for the roost in my coop that is 3 foot by 3 foot and about 3 feet off the floor. The 7 chickens I have just sleep sorta huddled together by the edge even though they have plenty of room to spread out. They aren't cold, it seems like they just enjoy being close

. Anyway, we just finished our 4 nesting boxes. There is plenty of info on nesting boxes. But I'm not as successful on finding info on roost dimensions. I know from research that they like a tier effect to allow the dominant chickens to roost higher. I also know that if the roost is round or too skinny it can cause bumble foot.Should I seal the wood so it's more smooth? How many inches from the ceiling.
Oh yea, and I placed our nesting boxes at the same height at the roost floor. Is that too high? Should it be on the ground?
Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[boskelli1571]

Hello & welcome,

I have used several things for my roosts. In the outside run I have tree branches for them. These are the most likely to cause bumblefoot because they are not smoothed out. Inside I have 2x4s' some set on end (2") and some laid out (4"). I also have a small roosting ladder for my bantams made from old spindles and recycled barn wood. Don't worry about sealing the wood, the chickens won't care. I have place the roosts at various heights ranging from 12" - 3' off the ground. I have only had one case of bumblefoot in nearly 5 years. In general, the chickens will clump together at night. Obviously they did not read the manual on their space requirements...

I think your nest boxes might be a little high. I tend to put mine at 18" from the ground.
I'm sure others will advise you also, bear in mind, what works for one does not necessarily work for another. Good luck,

 

[A-TeamMama]

Thank you boskelli1571, I never considered giving them a variety and in more than one place.

I'm feeling the crunch of them needing a roost. I'm happy to hear you have only had one case of bumble foot too. I would like to create a safe home for them. And thanks for the advice on the nesting boxes. I'll move them lower. One other question I had was this: currently my nesting boxes are four 1X1 connected placed horizontally. Is it okay to place them vertically? Almost all pictures I viewed had them side by side. Just checking options. tia

 

[boskelli1571]

Thank you boskelli1571, I never considered giving them a variety and in more than one place.

I'm feeling the crunch of them needing a roost. I'm happy to hear you have only had one case of bumble foot too. I would like to create a safe home for them. And thanks for the advice on the nesting boxes. I'll move them lower. One other question I had was this: currently my nesting boxes are four 1X1 connected placed horizontally. Is it okay to place them vertically? Almost all pictures I viewed had them side by side. Just checking options. tia

I don't see any reason why you couldn't stack them vertically other than ease of access for the birds. You could stack your first box at 1' with a second box on top. Any higher than that might be inconvenient for the birds and then they will simply lay where they are more comfortable. Even tho' my boxes are at 18" I still have a couple of older birds who lay in the corner, despite having easy access to the nests provided - go figure!

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

If you wanted to go higher than Boskelli's suggestion with the nest boxes be sure to give them a way to access those higher boxes. Also be sure there is a standing or walking board out front for the hens, they will appreciate the ability to walk to those higher nest boxes, it will also be more enticing for them.

It sounds like you are giving the hens plenty of options, which means they will be able to nest and roost where they are most comfortable. This is always a good thing.

 

[redsix]

I used 2" by 3"s laid flat ways and they seem to work fine for the roost. The rule of thumb is about 1 ft. of roost pole per bird. If they aren't a large breed, I think you can get by with less. The nest will be fine at that height if you have a sloped top on them so they can't roost on them.