Need you opinions on roosts.

[Lea71]

My chickies are six weeks now and my how they've grown.

Their enclosed run is nearly finished and I'm about to install the permanent roosts in their coop.
Here's my problem....I'm not sure what roosts would be best. I love the idea of natural branches to roost on and it's a way to use inexpensive resources. But I read in Storey's guide that 2" X 6" roosts are best, giving them a place to sit rather than perch. I'm torn and I would like to hear some opinions on this. Feel free to post your pics if you'd like. I need your advice.
Thank you!

e

 

[ruby]

I used tree branches a long time ago. When I redesigned I used a closet dowel. Sand it down for any splinters. I read the same thing, but haven't changed my set up. Sitting on the perch sounds nice, but in the past I found if they can sit on it they will poop on it and cleaning it made splinters. I dunno! Walk around your Lowes or home depot and see what you think.

 

[blue fire]

Mine roost on a shoe rack

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[BeckyLa]

This is one of those chicken things where everybody has their own way of doing things and as long as the birds are comfortable nobody is right or wrong. Just different.

This is what I do. First, I have read that chicken feet are different than wild bird feet in that they are made for walking around on and do not "lock down" when they sit on something round. Especially for larger breeds, I use a 2x4 with the 4" side up about 2' or so off the ground. This way when they sit down their feet are flat and all toes are covered by feathers, good for preventing frostbite in colder climates, too. And with it so close to the ground there will not be injuries larger birds can sustain from jumping down from high up in an enclosed area.

You might want to put both the poles and 2x4's in your coop and watch to see which ones get the most use.

 

[Lea71]

Thanks everyone....you are truly helping me out. I've been sooo torn on this one....silly, I know.

 

[Dawn419]

We use 2 x 4's for our coop roosts, mostly.

Our main run also has an outdoor roost which consists of a 1 x 6 and a Catalpa tree branch...

Hope this is some help!


Dawn

 

[Wynette]

I use a 2x4 (4" side up) in the coop so they can squat down & cover their feet. I had a closet rod in there before that, and they wouldn't use it. They began using the 2x4 immediately.

Out in the run, I have a "chicken tree" that they roost on during the day - they love hanging out on it. I made an additinal chicken tree to the right of this one, but took 3 thick branches and made them into a teepee type shape, then I screwed an old used tire horizontally in between. They actually like that one better, but I don't think I have a picture of it. Here's my original chicken tree:

Oh, I DO have a pic of the chicken-tire-tree - here it is: