Roost design Question

[Chickadee55]

We are building our first coop and plan to put the roost in a corner with a clean-out door. I was going to buy wooden dowel rods for the roost but recently heard that it was better for the chickens feet to have a flat surface instead of a round one. What's the difference if any?

 

[Bi0s]

cause chickens dont perch like other birds they dont grab on with there feet when they roost they keep then flat so a 2x4 flat side up best

 

[Chickadee55]

Will it be necessary to keep the roost cleaned as well?

 

[gmendoza]

Yes they will beschmirch it quickly,without hesitation nor remorse.

 

[patandchickens]

Quote:
You want something absolutely at LEAST 2" wide, and honestly wider is probalby a lot better for their feet. The two most popular good options are a 2x4 wide-side-up, or a dead tree branch (bark removed) that is at least 4" or so in diameter.

They will get "some" poo on the roosts, but honeslty on mine it is quite minimal and I doubt I scrape the roosts more than maybe every six months (and even then, it is not bad).

Good luck, have fun,

Pat