Can a roost be too wide?

[takmuldain]

I have read many things on here where people are using 2x4 with the wide side up for roosts I had some 2x3 and used them instead. I started reading a pamphlet at tractor supply that says roosts that are too wide can cause breast deformities has anyone heard of this occurring or have any useful input about it

 

[ChickensAreSweet]

I haven't heard of breast deformities with a wide roost, but I have read about it if they roost too early. Mine prefer to roost at around 2-3 months of age generally.

You would be fine to use a 2x3 - that is what I use. Make sure your roosts aren't too high if you have heavy large fowl or they might get bumblefoot as they jump down repeatedly.

 

[rikithemonk]

Yes I have. Its a deformity caused by constant poor body posture over months and years.


The point of using the 2 x 4 is mainly for the winter. The idea is that with traditional round roosting poles, their toes and feet are completely exposed when the temperatures drop to freezing. The wide flat roosts allow them to keep their toes flat so they can hunker down and use their body feathers to completely cover their feet. In my runs, all year round I have several roosting areas. Some are 2X2, others are 2X3.

In my coop I have changeable roosts. I use 2X2 in the summer, and change them out for 2X4 in the cold months.

Birds in the wild roost on all sorts of surfaces, All thicknesses of branches. You only start having body defects when you remove variation and stick the birds in one size fits all environments. Think; "Everything in moderation." and you should be OK.

Riki