Building roosts? What materials should I use?

[Willow's Meadow]

Should I use 2 x 4 or something else? Do you guys use those or something like this http://www.poultryhelp.com/barnpens5.html Which is better? Which do the chickens like better--2x4s or that kind? I might just do both, a 2x4 and that kind. I'm not sure.

 

[PineappleMama]

We've got two roosts in our coop. One is a 2x4 with the wide side up. The higher one is a nice sized branch that I sawed to fit. The girls seem to like both, but the branch more (higher?) but they do use the flatter one to get up there so who knows. I used brace bracket things to attach them to the walls, so far so good.

 

[Chicken Jack]

I just finished building roosts for my chickens and I used 2 x 4's. With a 3 1/2" wide roost they seem to have no problem walking and sleeping. I stair-stepped them beginning at 24" off the ground and moving upward every 18" with 12" in between each horizontal roost. Not sure if that makes sense...hope so. They go right up 'em with no problem; once they get to the top they call it a night.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

2X4's are great, just put them in so the chickens can roost on the widest part so they can totally cover their feet & toes in cold weather.

 

[RocketDad]

I have a 2x2 in front of the nest boxes, and a tree limb about 2 1/2" diameter for the main roost. I didn't have any problems with cold toes, but then I also used some supplemental heat during the worst of the winter.

My girls also "roost" on the frame of the bottom-open crank-out window. Messy, but it's their window, not mine.