How much roost space do bantams need?

[FuzzyCritters]

I am currently designing a coop for my bantam chickens. How much roost space does a bantam need? They will be free ranging, so they will only be in the coop at night and to lay eggs. Don't know if this matters but my breeds are cochin, brahma, silkie, easter egger, and d'uccle.

 

[aart]

Just go with the 12" per bird.
It could be less if they can easily step up onto roost,
if they need to fly up they need more space.

 

[MadamPoofyBrow]

I'm not sure the 'right answer' for how much roost space, but you may want to consider getting a nesting box for them to sleep in as well. Silkies do not usually roost, and in my experience cochin bantams don't either.

 

[black_cat]

Personally I'd probably still go with the 12'' of space per bird. You might want to consider making a ramp up to the roost, as silkies cannot fly up very well and you don't want them getting pooped on/sleeping in their own poop.

 

[Flockincrazy]

I agree with @aart 12"

 

[FuzzyCritters]

Thanks for your replies! I will go with 12" inches of roost space per bird. I will be doing a chicken ladder style roost so they don't have to fly up to the roost, and the bottom roost should be low enough that the silkies can jump onto it.

 

[Flockincrazy]

Thanks for your replies! I will go with 12" inches of roost space per bird. I will be doing a chicken ladder style roost so they don't have to fly up to the roost, and the bottom roost should be low enough that the silkies can jump onto it.

My silkies love there roost there previous owners said they never perched before my husband hung it up and 5min later they were getting on it

 

[aart]

but you may want to consider getting a nesting box for them to sleep in as well.

I never allow sleeping in nests, makes for poopy eggs.