New chicken mom!

[Crystaluna13]

I purchased 4 chicks, only a day old, at a local, privately owned feed and garden center. They've been so helpful...these are my first chickens. It's amazing how fast they grow!!
I would like to address roosts...I've read that chickens prefer to have their toes stretched on a fkat surface, or a wide tree limb, as opposed to curled around a thinner tree limb. Opinions?
.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
They like both!
However, because I am in a colder climate, my roosts are 2x4s with the wide side horizontal so their feathers will cover and protect their feet when roosting.

 

[Brahmachicken240]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens
Doesn't really matter, aslong as they can sit comfortably on the roosts and cover their feet with their bodies to prevent frost bite.

 

[Crystaluna13]

Thanks! That makes sense, and we do have cold winters here!

 

[DobieLover]

Thanks! That makes sense, and we do have cold winters here!

You can put a variety of perches in your run. I go out into the woods behind my property and drag back logs with side branches on them and arrange them in the run. The flock loves perching on them off and on throughout the day.
Is your coop done and you are just looking for roost advice?

 

[Kiki]

Welcome to BYC.
We are glad you joined this flock!
Jump right in and make yourself at home.

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[fldiver97]

Welcome Congrats on your new flock! Nice to have you here I agree with the other posters..... I use 2x4s flat side up inside the coop and large branches of various diameter in the run.

 

[feathermaid]

There's many different opinions on roost materials, but they all serve the same purpose, just don't use metal or plastic. I use flat 2x3s in my coop and also have some natural branches available in the run for daytime hangouts. Start by setting up a little perch inside the brooder so your chicks can practice and it'll be an easy transition to the coop. Chicks that never have access to a perch of some kind seem to have some confusion about what a roost is and how to use one later on. Here's an article about how chickens preferred using different roost materials if you're interested: The Perch Experiment

Good luck with your new flock!

 

[CarpCharacin]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you decided to join our wonderful community!

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. X 2 on what @DobieLover said.