Ladder or No???

[BessieMae]

My lowest roost is currently 2’4” off the ground. All chickens will be in the Orpington and Easter Egger size range. Should I worry about adding a ladder for my bigger breed girls? My highest roost is 3’9” off the ground. Still in the planning phase, so I can changes things. Do I need to put in a temporary roost lower than the 2’4” until they are bigger?

 

[DobieLover]

My lowest roost is currently 2’4” off the ground. All chickens will be in the Orpington and Easter Egger size range. Should I worry about adding a ladder for my bigger breed girls? My highest roost is 3’9” off the ground. Still in the planning phase, so I can changes things. Do I need to put in a temporary roost lower than the 2’4” until they are bigger?

I would install a cleated ramp, not a ladder. Ladders are hard for the chicken to walk up. Cleated ramps are not. I'd place the cleats 6-7" apart.
If you put it against a wall with the end up on a block it isn't going to take up much valuable space and it then gives them options on how to get up and down.
What are your space and ventilation plans? Being in TX are you building an open air design?

 

[BessieMae]

I would install a cleated ramp, not a ladder. Ladders are hard for the chicken to walk up. Cleated ramps are not. I'd place the cleats 6-7" apart.
If you put it against a wall with the end up on a block it isn't going to take up much valuable space and it then gives them options on how to get up and down.
What are your space and ventilation plans? Being in TX are you building an open air design?

10x4’7” coop and a 16x40 run. We thought about taking off a couple sheets of metal and wiring it to make it more open air. If we don’t do that, we will be cutting holes for large vents at the top ends. I can also keep both doors open during the summer. My last coop was 4x8 with crosswind ventilation. Girls were fine, especially since they spent most time out of the coop. This time, with all the space in the storage part of the shed, I can even mount a fan. Not sure that will be necessary though.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Unless you have English or well bred heritage Orps (the really big round ones) the 2'4" roost should be fine for them to get on and off of by just jumping.

Most EEs seem to be more streamlined birds so I don't anticipate issues with them getting on/off higher roosts.