Roost diameter too small for cold weather?

[Judy]

Ah, this debate again. About every few days....

Really good sized chickens may choose to sleep anywhere it's wide and flat, the floor if need be. Nothing wrong with tree branches, wilder chickens seem to choose them, but they need to be wide, IMO, especially in colder climates. Just because their toes don't freeze and fall off doesn't mean they are comfortable.
Even down here, I want them to be able to spread their belly out on their feet on really cold nights. I have the side side of a 2x4 and have at least one who sleeps on a larger surface (a BO.) The roo, who is larger than his hens, sleeps on a cross piece so he has more surface for his feet.

 

[Mrs. K]

I have the top of my nests is a big flat board, I did have a broody hen keep her chicks up there, (how she got them up there was quite interesting) but when they got bigger, they all roost on the shovel handles. Out in the run, I have a two by four roost, and tree branch and a shovel handle, mine do not roost on the two by four at all. They get up there and walk around, but when they want to rest, they roost on the others.

Mine have a choice and choose the round ones. Works for me. Mrsk