Poopy roosts

[debid]

How do you know the chickens do not care? They will roost on whatever is in the coop because they have no choice.

They DID have a choice. There was a communal nest box shelf at the same height as the roosts when the coop was new. They didn't choose that surface for sleeping. A low ranking hen might roost on the 2x4 making a rim on that shelf (so a 1.5" surface) after being discouraged from roosting with the others but never did a hen prefer the flat part (for anything except placing eggs).

So, while I think they have a preference for gripping with their feet, they undoubtedly are going to use what is available. In the grand scheme, their preference takes a backseat to the human caretakers' convenience. But I do think it's time for this myth that it's somehow important to their health to not use their grip & lock reflex to end. They evolved roosting in trees, they will be just fine on branches.

 

[amama]

Quotes need a source. Folks here have done a variety of experiments on here to try and find a "perfect" roost but all that seems to come of it is that when you leave it up to the birds, there is no one perfect roost.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/perch-width-what’s-the-science.1266761/

https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...-size-roosts-and-chickens-preference.1479341/

As far as temperatures 10F isn't that cold for older juvenile and adult chickens. Not sure how young yours are since you're saying they're chicks, but as long as they have most of their feathering in they should be fine regardless of roost choice.

A quick google search comes up with almost the whole first page saying to use 2x4s. I do think however, that I've misunderstood branches, as further reading says just not thin, narrow branches. My chicks are 2-3 weeks old.


"Optimize Roosts:
Roost design matters. A two-by-four on its side allows chickens to rest with feet flat, fully covered by feathers. Narrow roosts force birds to curl toes around the edge, exposing them to frostbite. Comfortable, wide roosts protect feet and keep birds cozy."
https://www.thesilverfoxfarm.com/blog/how-to-prevent-and-treat-frostbite-in-chickens