box vs roost

[key west chick]

I've always had a roost for my chickens to sleep on. Sometimes I worry about them being to cold even though I've not lost one yet to the weather. If I took out the roosts during the winter and replaced them with boxes with bedding would they be unhappy? I thought it would make them warmer if they snuggled into some shavings instead of being up on a stick.

 

[birdlover]

They probably would be warmer but good luck breaking them of their habit. I think they are fine on a roost. I only provide a box with bedding for the mamas and their babies.

 

[Wildsky]

I don't think it gets THAT cold anywhere in the USA. SO relax, they're nice and cozy up there on the roost. Make sure the roost is fat or wide enough so they can sit down and cover their feet - their feet must be almost flat or flat on the roost, they are not bulit to curl around a skinny piece of wood.

 

[sunnydee]

I am in Maine and mine r all on roosts. As long as you have your coop draft free and dry, they are fine. If they sleep in boxes, they will get poo all over them!

 

[key west chick]

Thats what I kinda thought, if it ain't broke, don't fix it!!!

 

[ibpboo]

Mine all sleep on their roost. It is probably about 6 inches wide so their feet are covered. There are also nest boxes in there, none of them sleep in the nest boxes, except for the silkie that is broody, but when she is not broody, she sleeps on the roost.

 

[rooster-red]

It just doesn't get that cold in GA.

I put an extra thick layer of shavings on the coop floor when it gets into the 20's, that way they have a choice of sleeping on the roosts or in the pile of shavings on the floor.

Sometimes my Mediterranean breeds will opt for the shavings on extra cold nights.

 

[playswithfowl]

They should be fine on roosts, they have lotsa down and feathers

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other posts. I would put the roosts back, and not let them get into the habit of sleeping in the boxes.

 

[key west chick]

Never took the roosts down, no boxes up. Just the box for laying which they use to lay eggs. My roosts are large sticks I found in my yard. I've had them for a few years. They are large enough so the feet are covered by down and feathers. No toes poking out! They always seem to like them, just wondered if they would want something warmer, guess not!