Coop ventilation

[BaaKaaawk]

I disagree with making 2x2 roosts but it depends on what breeds you have. I have a heavier dual purpose breed and they are clutzy. They are doing better with a 2x3 board set with the wide part flat. They fall off the roost less and when they roost they can completely cover all their toes. Whereas if they wrap the feet around the roost, then parts of their toes might be exposed, which could lead to frostbite.

They have the 2x4's upward, not sideways. The bird's feet can't latch around the 4" upward portion and they will have to stand on the roost rather than grasp it. When a normal chicken roosts (maybe not your big ones though, not sure of your specific breed), the tendons in the legs automatically compress creating that grip around the roost so they don't have to stay flexed while they are sleeping. If they can't get their feet around an edge- when they sit their feet will curl and they can't get a latch and will do what your birds are doing and fall off.

That wouldn't work here in New Jersey.

Why? What is different in NJ vs NC? Not being confrontational, I'm actually curious.

 

[Cryss]

Why? What is different in NJ vs NC? Not being confrontational, I'm actually curious

We can get 10 inches of snow and we're know for ice storms. Temps can be below zero. An open wire floor would be an invitation for frozen feet. Summer would be ok but I can't see it working in winter.

 

[NNYchick]

They have the 2x4's upward, not sideways. The bird's feet can't latch around the 4" upward portion and they will have to stand on the roost rather than grasp it. When a normal chicken roosts (maybe not your big ones though, not sure of your specific breed), the tendons in the legs automatically compress creating that grip around the roost so they don't have to stay flexed while they are sleeping. If they can't get their feet around an edge- when they sit their feet will curl and they can't get a latch and will do what your birds are doing and fall off.

Actually in cold climates the chickens need 4x2 the wide end flat as you want them to be able to roost flat footed so they can sit on their feet and keep them warm with their feathers. If they wrap their toes around the roost they can’t keep them warm.

 

[BaaKaaawk]

We can get 10 inches of snow and we're know for ice storms. Temps can be below zero. An open wire floor would be an invitation for frozen feet. Summer would be ok but I can't see it working in winter.

What is snow? Got it now- I thought you were talking about the eave ventilation, never occurred you were talking about the wire bottom. Thanks!

Actually in cold climates the chickens need 4x2 the wide end flat as you want them to be able to roost flat footed so they can sit on their feet and keep them warm with their feathers. If they wrap their toes around the roost they can’t keep them warm.

Man, I'm glad I moved south!

 

[Folly's place]

All good points above. About roosts; I think that saplings or branches, 2" to 3" diameter, work very well. Chickens are designed to roost in trees! I leave the bark on for better grip too.
Some of my birds roost 8' up in the rafters, which are either 4" fence posts (old section) or 2"x8" framing (new section), and some roost 4' up on the actual roosts. Everyone has a preferred location, and there are lots of choices.
Walk-in coops are so much better! Easier for people, and easier to ventilate, at least.
Hardware cloth everywhere, well attached, because every predator will turn up sometime. Maybe tonight...
Mary