Is my roost bar wide enough?

[Firetiger]

First coop for our first flock of hens. My roost bar is a 1 5/8" closet pole. Is that wide enough for Orpingtons?

 

[Mahonri]

If you live in cold climes, it's not big enough for winter.

 

[Firetiger]

Quote:
Live in Seattle, so don't live in cold climate, but please explain why a wider bar is needed in a colder climate?

 

[bluey]

I think the idea is that you want the roost bar wide enough for the chicken to be able to sit on their feet to keep them warm rather then have the toes wrapped around a thinner roost where they are more exposed and susceptible to frostbite....

 

[MayberrySaint]

A chicken would be more comfortable on a roost that they can sit on comfortably, such as the flat side of a 2x4. With a round roost pole, they have to grip it and balance themselves.

 

[patandchickens]

Can you get away with it? Sure, pretty much. Is there a better way of doing it that will be comfier for the chickens, and more frostbite-resistant in a cold snap? Use the wide side of a 2x4 (round the edges if they're abrupt) or a wide branch off an old dead tree.

Have fun,

Pat