Do chickens need some kind of bed to sleep on?

[silkiechicken]

Yeah, flat surfaces are best for them to roost on because they don't hold on to bars like other birds. They prefer to sit.

 

[seminolewind]

I agree, my BO found a shelf at the top of the roost and she sleeps there. I think I'll make more shelves.

 

[suebee]

My silkies have always roosted on shelves...never roosting poles. Also, they don't like to roost too high. The shelves are about 4 feet high. I'm sure most other breeds roost on poles though.

 

[ratlummountain]

mine prefer the roost. (2 rir's and 2 golden comets)
i have their roost over a shelf that they could easily sleep on instead of the roost, but every night they're up on the roost. the shelf actually makes a great 'dropping shelf', i've sprinkled some pine shavings up there and it's easy cheesy to clean up.

 

[kstaven]

flat roosts allow a chicken to cover their talons and stay warmer in cold weather.