Roost? 2X4 or....?

[Cargo]

Given that probably half of BYC uses 2x4s as a roost quite successfully, I don't think it's reasonable to claim that 2x4s are inherently unsuitable. Chickens on a 2x4 DO typically lap their toes around the edges btw.

And something wide-ish like a 2x4 is a lot smarter in cold frostbite-risk regions than is a smaller roost where the toes end up lower down and not covered by tummy feathers.

My money would be on them avoiding it simply because it is new.

But if you feel they want something more round and sticklike b/c that's what they're used to, just go get another old dead tree branch. I'd suggest making it larger (like 4-5" diameter) because your winter temps are below freezing, but OTOH they are not MUCH below freezing so I suppose the risks involved in using a narrower one are probably not huge.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

X2

 

[speedy2020]

I cut 2 piece templates that allow me to use 2x2, 2x4, or 4x2 configuration. It requires little work, but give me the flexibility.

 

[tammyd57]

Quote:
What a simple but great idea! I like it. And since I'm just now figuring out the roosts in my coop project, I'll 'borrow' your drawing and have my carpenter (DB is doing the hard work for me) make those for me. I'm using a lot of repurposed lumber so being able to use what I already have for roosts would be great.

 

[patandchickens]

Without in any way meaning to diminish the great cleverness of the "multi adaptable socket" thing illustrated above, which I really like and is quite ingenious, I would also point out that if you use plain ol' shelf brackets (the cheap L-shaped kind) to mount your roost, you can just screw upwards through them into ANY roost material, including dead tree branches, making them *infinitely* adaptable

Pat

 

[speedy2020]

Quote:
What a simple but great idea! I like it. And since I'm just now figuring out the roosts in my coop project, I'll 'borrow' your drawing and have my carpenter (DB is doing the hard work for me) make those for me. I'm using a lot of repurposed lumber so being able to use what I already have for roosts would be great.

If you are plan to use the template, my advice to cut slot little tight fit. You don't want the 2x4 wobbling. If you over cut, just turn (twist) one piece slightly to secure the 2x4. This is what I did when happen to cut slot 1/8" wider.

 

[tammyd57]

Quote:
What a simple but great idea! I like it. And since I'm just now figuring out the roosts in my coop project, I'll 'borrow' your drawing and have my carpenter (DB is doing the hard work for me) make those for me. I'm using a lot of repurposed lumber so being able to use what I already have for roosts would be great.

If you are plan to use the template, my advice to cut slot little tight fit. You don't want the 2x4 wobbling. If you over cut, just turn (twist) one piece slightly to secure the 2x4. This is what I did when happen to cut slot 1/8" wider.

Great advice! Thank you!

 

[ARose4Heaven]

I am a recycler. I found an old wooden loft ladder in the barn, cut it into two sections and mounted it for roosts. My chickens LOVE it. They pack themselves onto that ladder like a tight blanket of hen.

I did have one section mounted high overhead above the people door. But hubby didn't like that cause of the raining poo. Also lost a hen that fell off in the middle of the night. So yesterday, I moved it down to within 3 feet of the floor. Last night I had some confused hens! Those that liked the rooftop roost just stood there...looking up...couldn't figure out where their perch went. Poor girls. They finally snuggled in with the other hens, but still kept watch on the spot where their missing ladder should have been.

 

[bburn]

The only thing I have bought for my chickens runs or coops has been wire.

When it came time for a roost my DH, a carpenter who built houses for 30 years when out to the shed and came back with hand rails. They are hand rails for a staircase and they are flat on the bottom and round the rest of the way. I cannot completely circle the roost with my fingers so they are pretty wide and chicken feet and toes are spread out and they end up setting ON their feet and toes but secure.

All found materials that had been in the rafters of the shed for years. We were glad to have a use for them and more than that they seem exactly the right size for the chickens comfort and for keeping their feet and toes warm. This pole is bigger around than a golf ball.

Am building the Cochin coop now....it will be small as it is only for three but could hold five easily. But it is small compared to the others. My goal is a larger coop for them in the future....once I find more used chain link to make a new run for them. But for now, for the three, it will get them through the winter that is just starting here next week.

I like what we are using for roosts.

 

[ARose4Heaven]

I have a couple of stair rails laying in the garage and had been eye-balling them for roosts. I am glad to hear that they work! I hadn't grabbed them because I thought they would be to big around for the hens to grasp. My ladder roosts work well for now...but those handrails are looking better and better. Thanks for the idea.

 

[sharol]

My 7 girls roost on 1 of the 2 2x4 x 6' long roosts in their 6x8 coop. They have never had roosts that were narrower, so they don't have anything to compare them to. When they were little, they used to roost on the edge of the nest box sometimes (it is only about 3x4" wide), but as they got bigger they moved to the 4" wide roost.

They HATE change of any kind, so I'll bet it is just a matter of what they are used to.

I love the roost holder thingy. In the run of my grow out coop, I use a couple of the brackets that are used to hold the supports in place for porches and then screwed another 2x4 across the top forming a T shape. They seemed to like that, too.