help me turn this into a roost, please

[Dobela]

Found this for $2 at Habitat ReStore today. It measures 6 ft long, 31 inches high. The 2x2 pieces (railings) are 9 inches apart. The wide pieces are 2x4.

Can I adapt this for use as a roost that is flat? I am very new to this so you may have to speak very clearly LOL. From my other readings -
1. 18 inches between boards so I would need to remove every other railing. Right?
2. At least 4 ft off ground, higher than the nest boxes at least, with ladder or ramp.
3. will have 30+ chickens. A mix of Banty breeds, Black sex links, Easter eggers, Boven Browns, some we don't know yet, and 2 ducks.

Thanks so much !

 

[secuono]

If you want it horizontal, take out every other bar to give them enough space. Will work great!
If you want it at an angle, you'd have to turn the bars so they have the flat side and not the 90degree edge to roost on, more work.

 

[Coopa Cabana]

That is very similiar to what I'm using in my coop for roosts. I found an old antique ladder - all wood with wood round rungs. I did NOT permanently attach it. I have it leaning up again one wall - overall I'd say it's at a 45 degree angle. (Make sure the feet are secure so it doesn't slip around. Because it's angled, different birds can pick which height they want to roost at, and they are not stacked on top of each other. I don't know if that makes sense or not - I'll see if I can find a pic to post.

Edited to add pic:

 

[perchie.girl]

Quote:
Looks good um... are you going to have all thirty chickens roosting on this one roost?

 

[Dobela]

perchie.girl :

Quote:
Looks good um... are you going to have all thirty chickens roosting on this one roost?

That is one of my questions - will 30 fit on this or do I need a second something?

I appreciate all the comments!​

 

[macadam8157]

8-10 inches of roosting space is ideal for each bird depending on size of bird of course. Also roost poles should be rounded not square so they can wrap there toes around it.

May need some more roosting area for that many birds. Best of luck!

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Actually, that isn't entirely true. Chickens do not "wrap" their back toes like wild birds do. Mine all have square roost poles with edges sanded smooth. Huge birds like Orps are much more comfortable on flatter roosts.

My blue Orp rooster's feet are 5" from back toe to the front-there isn't a round dowel rod large enough for that boy's feet.

 

[macadam8157]

Quote:
Actually, that isn't entirely true. Chickens do not "wrap" their back toes like wild birds do. Mine all have square roost poles with edges sanded smooth. Huge birds like Orps are much more comfortable on flatter roosts.

My blue Orp rooster's feet are 5" from back toe to the front-there isn't a round dowel rod large enough for that boy's feet.

Yes yes thats what i meant rounded edges not dowel rods!!!

 

[speckledhen]

Quote:
Actually, that isn't entirely true. Chickens do not "wrap" their back toes like wild birds do. Mine all have square roost poles with edges sanded smooth. Huge birds like Orps are much more comfortable on flatter roosts.

My blue Orp rooster's feet are 5" from back toe to the front-there isn't a round dowel rod large enough for that boy's feet.

Yes yes thats what i meant rounded edges!

 

[macadam8157]

Quote:
Yes yes thats what i meant rounded edges!

Thx though Cynthia I'll sure keep that in mind, though i dont know how big my Red pullets or Tetra tints will get. but yes guilty they are on dowel rods now but still in the brooder and comin up on 4 weeks.