Is our roost wrong?? Need advise!

[TERRY4]

Before making the main roost, I researched online, mainly here! We ut the 2x4 roost in {want to put more soon}. We have it wide side up. Now I'm reading that chickens have bad balance and can fall off while sleeping, and break their neck? Wow. Who knew! I have only seen 2 chickens roosting, flat-footed, on it since we put it up almost a week ago. They seem to like roosting on the side, where a 2x4 is turned skinny side up.

Should we turn the 2x4 to the skinny side? What I read said they need to grip, then when they fall asleep their legs/feet lock in place. Here's what we have so far. We had put them wide side up because it gets pretty cold here in the winter, and I read they can sit on their feet to warm them this way.

 

[lcahill]

TERRY4,

My personal experience is the chickens will use whatever they want. I have 1x4 boards edge up and they all use them quite a bit and seem to be quite happy with them. But since I've introduced some more chicks to the flock, the older ones have started roosting at the highest point in the coop on the exposed wall, which is 2x4 layed flat and they havent had any problems there either. So i think it is just a chicken preference thing.

 

[TERRY4]

TERRY4,

My personal experience is the chickens will use whatever they want. I have 1x4 boards edge up and they all use them quite a bit and seem to be quite happy with them. But since I've introduced some more chicks to the flock, the older ones have started roosting at the highest point in the coop on the exposed wall, which is 2x4 layed flat and they havent had any problems there either. So i think it is just a chicken preference thing.

I don't have a lot of room for roosts that most won't use. It makes them roost where they shouldn't IMO. We definitely have some adjusting to do.

Thanks.

 

[rachlore]

Chickens will roost in the highest and most comfortable place in their coop. I'm pretty sure that eventually the chickens will start roosting there when/if they need them.

 

[TERRY4]

Chickens will roost in the highest and most comfortable place in their coop. I'm pretty sure that eventually the chickens will start roosting there when/if they need them.

I understand all that. My question is, is it going to harm them being wide and they can't get a grip on it?? I read On this ite somewhere, that they can fall off while asleep. And that person said, a hen was found dead of a broken neck when she fell off the perch. Yes, I know many have no problems, but I wonder. I like to prevent things, not wait until it happens. This perch is approx. 4 1/2' off the ground.

 

[fiftyisnifty]

I was talking to a real chicken farmer he's got 500 chickens and he uses 2x2's that way the chickens can grip an sleep without the fear of falling. So maybe cut the 2x4's in half. just an idea.

 

[chickydee64]

I was talking to a real chicken farmer he's got 500 chickens and he uses 2x2's that way the chickens can grip an sleep without the fear of falling. So maybe cut the 2x4's in half. just an idea.

Hi,
maybe it is just a matter of preference.
I use 2x4's..wide side up.
I do not think you will hurt the chickens.
The theory I read said not having to grip and balance all night......... allows the chickens to rest better.
I also prefer to let them be able to cover their feet when it is cold.
Sounds like you are doing good with your chickies.......concerned chicken mom...........

 

[TERRY4]

Thanks guys. I think maybe we'll just make another roost with the 2x4 with the narrow side up. Then they can decide. I just hope what I read was a rare happening.

Yes, I do worry and want the best for them. Seeings as we only have 6, and I can't spare any!

 

[SobbaChickens]

I haven't seen anything yet about chickens falling off the roost while sleeping,

sure hope that isn't true or something else happened to the bird that caused it to fall. Just because the bird had a broken neck doesn't necessarily mean that it fell off while sleeping and broke it's neck, maybe it died in it's sleep and fell and then broke it's neck

I plan on using 1x4s or 2x4s wide side up so they can cover their feet and move around easier.

 

[whoanellii]

I cannot tell you what's right or wrong but as a novice will tell u of my recent experience. I went from 5 adopted hens and a rosecomb rooster to having 30 plus chickens in 2 coops and some free ranging the back yard in two months time. This morning, after I corralled all the 16 older chicks into their coop/run, I went in there determined to build them a roost. I had an old cedar post about 10 feet long and about 4 inches in diameter. I attached one end about 2 feet off the ground at the door frame and before I got the other end lifted in place I had chickens all over it. I think, because its round, they can get a grip on it. Just sayin.