Need HELP with Roosts!

[paulandashia]

I am going to the store as soon as I can get some answers.
I need to know what the best Roosts for adult Chickens are.

(It's one of the things our coop is missing, and I am having 2 adult Chickens coming today! The rest is in the garage, and is going out in 2 weeks)

Can I use 2x2's or would 2x4's be better?

How much roost space will I need for about 30 chickens?

How far apart should they be?

Any help would be appreciated.!!!

 

[ColoradoMike]

2x4s with the wide side up are oft recommended for roosts.

As far as roosting space, most people recommend 10"-12" per bird... but then say that their birds squish together at night... I think they do appreciate the room when they're sorting out their roost spots at dusk...

And I s'pose roosts could be spaced apart a minimum of...18" or so? I don't know - my coop is small and I only need one roost...

Good luck!

 

[MandyH]

WE go to the woods and cut tree limbs that are about 2 - 2 1/2 inches in diameter. They work great, are free and you can make them any length you want. I don't know exact space requirements but we make sure that ours are long enough to accomodate the birds. They will all try to get on the same roostt even if you have 3 LOL!!!

 

[crittersitter]

2x4's were recommended to me. I live in Ny and it gets cold in the winter. A 2x4 provides enough room for them to sit on their feet and keep them warm in the colder months.

 

[paulandashia]

Awesome!
I am on my way to get some 2x4's.
I would LOVE to do the tree idea, but most trees here are not healthy for birds here, and I do not want to risk it.
Thank you SO much!

 

[imthedude]

mike do you live in old town. looks like it from the pics. just curious because we do too. small world.

 

[ColoradoMike]

Quote:
Indeed I do - south of the Main Library. There are a few other Fort Collins chicken keepers on BYC