Distance Between Roost Boards For LF

[cmitchell]

I'm planning my new 8 x 10 chicken coop for my 16 brahmas. I'm making the roost all one height with three 5'L 2x4 roosting boards. My question is, how far apart should I place the 2x4s? I was thinking 14-15" would give them enough space so one hen's face won't be stuck in another hen's butt. Would this be too much/too little/or enough space? Since brahmas are LF how far off the ground should I put it? I know it needs to be higher than the nest boxes. I could always make a ramp for them to walk up. I'm also going to have a poop board. The plan is to use brackets so ramp can be removed, a slide out poop board and hinges on the wall side of roost so it can be lifted up out of the way for cleaning the coop. The legs of the roost will have hinges as well so when the whole thing is lifted up the legs will fold against the roost frame..sorta like a murphy bed. What do you guys think of that idea?

 

[sixshooter60]

Sounds like a plan to me.. the distance apart is plenty .. as for the height i like it as high as possible as they like to get as high as they can although they will roost on it if its just a ft off the ground..sounds like you got it all figured out...

 

[JohnBob]

You also might consider stair stepping the roosts. It might save you from building a ramp. The birds will hop onto the lowest and then keep going to whatever level they're happy with. It also offsets the butt to face level so they'll be even happier for the improved scenery.