Roost and Nest Box questions

[CowgirlMama]

Ok, so I've looked all through the threads, and can't find some of what I'm looking for... so here goes: I'm wondering if I put my nest boxes 18-24" off the ground, how high do my roosts need to be? I know they should be higher than the boxes. Will I need a ramp or ladder for the chickens to get on/off them safely? I have BAs, BRs, NHR and GSL.

 

[birdicus7]

As long as they are higher that the nest boxes the actual height doesn't matter much but a few feet higher would be best. If there is enough room for them to fit on top they'll roost in the rafters....ramps won't be necessary.

 

[oldchickenlady]

The heavier breeds would probably need ramps if your roosts are more than 3 or 4 feet high, lighter, smaller breeds may not need ramps.

 

[purelypoultry]

Keep in mind that if you plan on clipping their wings, you would not want them to high.

 

[CowgirlMama]

So, if I'm planning to place my nesting boxes 24" off the ground, having a roost at 3 and 4 feet is ok? I'm not planning on clipping wings. Thank you!

 

[RonB]

Cowgirl
My nest boxes are two feet off the ground and my roost are four feet high. I do have a two ft high pole (or roost) in the middle of the coop. some of my girls jump up to that first then to the four ft one. others just fly right up to the four ft one