Is a 6 Foot High Roost Too High?

[GuppyTJ]

My roost is 6 feet high (see the pic). It's that high because there is a natural brace on the left side, which is the wall of the barn. You can see it in the picture, where the 2 x 4 for the roost is resting on this wall. Is this too high?




My 16 chicks (about 1/2 are pullets, 1/2 cockerals) are currently between 10 and 12 weeks old. They seem fine with the 6 foot roost but when they fall/get knocked off the roost, I worry they'll get hurt falling/semi flying to the ground. The ground is sand below the roost and straw everywhere else. Will they break a leg or a wing or their necks falling from that height? Will they get bumblefoot, perhaps? When they fly down purposefully, they do it pretty gracefully and have plenty of runway as the coop is 14 feet wide.

I can lower the roost but just wondered what others thought. Should I stop worrying and leave the roost at 6 feet or take it down and make a lower roost which will be at about 4 feet? At 4 feet, it will still be higher than everything else in the coop (nest boxes, etc).

Thanks for the advice,
Guppy

 

[BuffOrpington88]

Generally, that's too high. Especially if you have heavy breeds, frequently jumping from that height can cause bumblefoot or a sprained leg. It would be best to lower it about 3 feet at least.

 

[aart]

I think that with the width of the coop, and that you've seen them able to fly down, it should be fine...especially if you plan on some deep litter which can provide some cushion at landing. Just keep an eye on the situation.

 

[Judy]

I think both your replies have merit. A lot depends on the breeds you have or, more specifically, how heavy they are. If they are bantams they are much less likely to injure themselves, though I'd still keep some hay in their landing area. There is always a chance of a broken or injured hip, leg or foot, but on the other hand, they will enjoy the height.

If they are heavy birds, if you have any Jersey Giants or good sized Orps or Australorps, I think I'd move it down for their own safety. Larger birds especially will also prefer a wider roost, such as the side side of a 2x4 or a fat branch. My roosts are at 30" with about 7' or 8' on the side for flying down, and they use most of the space to get down. They are classified large fowl but are not huge birds.

You could also make a ramp to it -- if they will use it.

 

[Time-Out]

Is that coop just for raising growers or will they also be in there when fully grown? If just for growers, they'll be fine. Have you considered a poop tray? That way they won't have far to fall, if they get knocked off.

 

[4 the Birds]

I agree with the roost being pretty high. It is OK if that is your only option but generally 3' high works better and 4' up would be better than 6'. Jumping down for a high roost is not great for the birds the wing flapping to ease the landing only makes the dust fly everywhere (your coop looks pretty clean for now).

 

[GuppyTJ]

Thanks everyone, love this website and forums and especially you people, so helpful!

I lowered the roost based on your feedback. It's now at 4 feet as I used the stair step at that height to rest the roost beam on. I also moved the top stair step (that the original roost beam was resting on) to the bottom to make one more step for them. I built a brace for the left side at 4 foot with some left over lumber I had. My final mix of breeds (after culling for the dinner table my extra roos) will be Barred Rocks, Orps and Australorps so they're not exactly light breeds. I do intend to have them live in this coop when they're full grown. I do have plastic poo trays directly under the roost but they sit on the ground. I'll do as you suggest and keep the straw fluffy and deep to soften the landing.

I'll keep an eye on things and if this 4 foot height still seems too high, I'll lower it again to 3 feet. Not too difficult to do at this point, having lowered it once.

Much thanks again, you guys and girls ROCK!
Guppy