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

 

[debid]

Borrowed image that illustrates the reality nicely. Where are the feet?

There is just no truth whatsoever to this idea that their feet aren't covered unless flat.

 

[NatJ]

I've been around long enough to remember when these claims about the necessity of flat roosts started. I have yet to see a scientific study to back the claims...

I can find a scientific study that says hens prefer "large" roosts, but it is no help for which side up to put a 2x4.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0168159190900134
"Preferences of hens for shape and size of roosts"
Authors H.K. Muiruri, P.C. Harrison, H.W. Gonyou

Relevant quotes from the abstract:

"Three sizes (5.0 cm, 3.8 cm, and 2.5 cm in diameter) of metal pipes were simultaneously presented to each group of hens, and roost use was recorded for three 24-h periods with each roost size in a different position during each period."

"Hens strongly selected the 5.0 cm in diameter roosts over 3.8 cm and 2.5 cm in diameter roosts. It is concluded that hens prefer roosts that are large rather than small..."


So it does say that hens preferred wider roosts.
But look at the sizes! That largest size (5 cm) is just under 2 inches wide. The smallest one is half that, a little less than ONE inch wide.

So it confirms what I think we already knew: 2" roost is better than ones that are even skinnier. I think we all knew that already. But the study did not include any roosts that were wider yet, so it does not tell anything about which way up to put a 2x4.

(I do wish the people making prefab coops would read that study, as some of them are using roosts that are too narrow even by that guideline.)

 

[debid]

Right, I don't think anyone is suggesting a half inch dowel.

My personal opinion is that it should be wide enough to support the whole pad of the foot while allowing the toes to wrap and grip so they feel secure. I don't shout it from the rooftops, though, because what would be the point? The only harm that comes from exclusively using a roost that's overly wide and flat is droppings getting deposited on it and possibly slipping a little as they land while hopping up. And maybe their grip would get weaker from lack of use? IDK, I haven't seen a study on that, either.