Roost design/diameter/width

[PandoraTaylor]

they need roughly 1 foot per hen of roost space, diameter varies by breed, but for the most part 2x4 flat or around 2-4 inches around.

also roosts need to be 18-36 inches from the walls, not all hens face the same direction when roosting/sleeping.

 

[patandchickens]

If you had severe cold winters you'd want something pretty wide-flattish so they can cover their toes fully with their tummy feathers.

However, in Winston-Salem it doesn't really matter what you use as long as the chickens will accept it.

You want something at *least* 2" across, wider is better (they are not perching birds like sparrows or parrots, they do not grip round dowel type things well). Strong dead treebranches are certainly the cheapest; strip the bark first so it doesn't become a cleaning headache or a hidey place for roost mites.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat