Exactly how much head clearance do the chickens need above their roost?

[Onecrazywriter]

I have Welsummer and wyandotte hens (and some smaller birds, too, for a total of 8) and I wanted a third perch in the henhouse. But the head clearance would only be 18". I don't want to bother if the birds can't use it.

We probably don't really need the third one, since the wil be two six foot long perches, but I think it would be nice.

 

[SamuelMcF]

I used to have some hens that loved to perch up in a small window at the top of the coop that was probably only about 12" high. They thought it was cozy haha. As long as they can get up to it and are able to perch comfortably I don't think they need or want to be able to stretch around too much while they are roosting.

 

[aart]

I have Welsummer and wyandotte hens (and some smaller birds, too, for a total of 8) and I wanted a third perch in the henhouse. But the head clearance would only be 18". I don't want to bother if the birds can't use it.

We probably don't really need the third one, since the wil be two six foot long perches, but I think it would be nice.

18" is OK for head space, but roost height needs to be assessed along with landing area(floor space).
How big is your coop, in feet by feet?
Dimensions and pics would help here.
Also....
Where in this world are you located?
Climate, and time of year, is almost always a factor.
Please add your general geographical location to your profile.
It's easy to do, and then it's always there!

 

[rosemarythyme]

I wouldn't bother with the additional roost, you have plenty of roost space for 8 birds. But 18" should be enough head room.

 

[Onecrazywriter]

Thanks. I tried to link my coop link to my profile, but I couldn't find the URL to copy last night. So I will try again later when I can use a computer.

 

[aart]

my coop link

It's this:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/my-coop-design.75642/
in case you can't find it, but there's no pics.

 

[Ridgerunner]

What does your winter ventilation look like? For that matter, where are you located so we know if winter ventilation is even an issue for you. I like my winter ventilation up high so any cold breezes pass over their heads. They are almost guaranteed to use the highest roosts so that may be a factor.

As for straight head room 18" is plenty for any chicken but there may be other factors involved.

 

[Onecrazywriter]

What does your winter ventilation look like? For that matter, where are you located so we know if winter ventilation is even an issue for you. I like my winter ventilation up high so any cold breezes pass over their heads. They are almost guaranteed to use the highest roosts so that may be a factor.

As for straight head room 18" is plenty for any chicken but there may be other factors involved.

We live in western Kentucky. It gets pretty cold. When I was in Colorado, our henhouse just had a1/2" gap between the roof and east/west walls but it was much larger. Then we also had sliding windows I on the North/south walls that we opened in the summer.

The highest roost will only be 2 feet from the roof with our current plan and I planned a series of small holes for air circulation because I think the system we used in Colorado might let in too much rain. I know someone else who left a half inch gap at floor level instead, but when I switch to my winter insulation (straw or grass hay) wil it clog up the works?

My dad says I should stick to the original plan and the chickens will move down to the lower roost or floor of it gets too drafty. And he thinks the roof overhang will keep the moisture out. He thinks, since warm air rises, the natural convection should keep the birds much cooler in summer.

If I just leave the gap up top, it would eliminate the need for the roof vent I planned (actually a skylight with hinges that could open 2-3".)

 

[aart]

And he thinks the roof overhang will keep the moisture out.

It can.
Large roof overhangs with open soffits is one of the best winter ventilation scenarios.
Hard to assess or advise on your setup up without any pics.

 

[Onecrazywriter]

It can.
Large roof overhangs with open soffits is one of the best winter ventilation scenarios.
Hard to assess or advise on your setup up without any pics.

There aren't any pics because the materials won't be obtained or purchased until the design is finalized.

Husband wants my design and then he wants to modify it around what can be had for free if possible. Having never owned chickens, he needs proof from "experts " that certain corners cannot be cut. Windows, for example, and padlocks.So, I tell him certain features are necessary from my own experience and problems I foresee related to our new environment (because I always lived in more arid climates before) .then I must find documentation on the extension service website or YouTube videos to back me up.

Thank heavens for the internet or I'd be forced to reinvent the wheel from scratch! And I've gotten so many great ideas to make this technique best coop to date. For instance, removable perches for easy cleaning. Oh, how much effort I wasted in the past without that feature!