One of the great debates: Roosts vertical or horizontal 2x4’s

[doublecrossranch]

I’m trying to decide whether to change my roosts to horizontal or something different. My coop is 7x12. I have 2 roost set vertical and probably too high but that’s for another day. I’m making improvements before winter gets here. The coop was built but a company and not to what I asked for, so I’m working with what $2,000 got me.

Back to the question vertical, or horizontal, or something different

 

[DobieLover]

I’m trying to decide whether to change my roosts to horizontal or something different. My coop is 7x12. I have 2 roost set vertical and probably too high but that’s for another day. I’m making improvements before winter gets here. The coop was built but a company and not to what I asked for, so I’m working with what $2,000 got me.

Back to the question vertical, or horizontal, or something different

I had wide side up for the first year but switched out to ripped down 2x4s when I moved them into the new coop. They seem to prefer the narrower surface. So you could leave yours in the orientation they are in.
However, they do look too high and are too closely spaced to each other and the wall. You want 12-15" from the center of the roost to the wall and the next roost or you will have birds on the lower roost getting pooped on.
Your coop is a nice size. You should consider installing poop boards under the roosts and having all the roosts the same level. I like that configuration in my coop. It works very well for me and my flock.

 

[doublecrossranch]

I had wide side up for the first year but switched out to ripped down 2x4s when I moved them into the new coop. They seem to prefer the narrower surface. So you could leave yours in the orientation they are in.
However, they do look too high and are too closely spaced to each other and the wall. You want 12-15" from the center of the roost to the wall and the next roost or you will have birds on the lower roost getting pooped on.
Your coop is a nice size. You should consider installing poop boards under the roosts and having all the roosts the same level. I like that configuration in my coop. It works very well for me and my flock.
View attachment 1928138

Poop boards are on the To Do List for today. I figured I would adjust the roosts at the same time. My chickens do not like change so this should really piss them off. Lol. I changed bedding and they acted like the floor was lava.

 

[DobieLover]

Poop boards are on the To Do List for today. I figured I would adjust the roosts at the same time. My chickens do not like change so this should really piss them off. Lol. I changed bedding and they acted like the floor was lava.

Yes, the certainly do not appreciate the upgrades we make for them! But they adjust quickly enough. Good luck with your project. Post back with pictures!

 

[perkolator]

I went with 2x3's the horizontal orientation. Debated putting 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4 to see which bars they prefer.

Somewhere I read 2x2 can sometimes be too narrow for larger breeds and a 2x4 can be too wide for smaller feet unless you round the corners a tad - so I went with a 2x3

 

[doublecrossranch]

I went with 2x3's the horizontal orientation. Debated putting 2x2, 2x3 and 2x4 to see which bars they prefer.

Somewhere I read 2x2 can sometimes be too narrow for larger breeds and a 2x4 can be too wide for smaller feet unless you round the corners a tad - so I went with a 2x3

Lol. The middle is the best place to be in all areas of life.

 

[CatWhisperer]

I have bantams and LF so I have both. I also have silkies that just sit on the poop board or on its edge.

 

[Alaskan]

Since your coop is large (which is great) .. just how long are those perches?

I find that longer perches (anything over 5 feet) will sag over time if they are thin.

Two 1x4s, if put together like a T, work like a charm and do not sag.

I greatly prefer wide perches to reduce frostbite on feet.

 

[Alaskan]

I have bantams and LF so I have both. I also have silkies that just sit on the poop board or on its edge.

I put a 1x4 on my poop board edge to make it another perch.

 

[RoosterML]

I use a 4x4 as a roost. I’m still wondering which way it should be.
Some day I will figure it out.