Eureka! A chicken can learn!

[gritsar]

IMO, there's one problem with using a natural branch or other round surface as a roost. Chickens prefer not to have to clutch with their feet all night and it can lead to foot problems down the road.
Following advice found here on BYC, I use 2X4s with the "4" side up for my roosts. That way the chickens can jump up on the roost and use their feet to get steady and settled and then release their grip and settle down to rest on their keel bone for the night. This also allows them to cover their feet as they settle, keeping their feet toasty warm.
I think most of us think a nice thick branch would make a perfect roost, wild birds use em right? But the reality is that most standard chickens are alot larger than wild birds.

 

[gryeyes]

Oh, I was hoping these would be okay, because they're as big around as my wrist, plus they're wider across than the "included" roosts in the coop kit where they've been living until now. *grumble*