Roost dimension

[Huskeriowa]

Hi all.

Ok I am ready to install the roost. I have read here that 10-12 inches is optimum per bird but I am wondering how much I can alter this number? I have 8" per bird that I can convert easily to roost space. I would like to do just eight inches per bird because it will leave more floor space if I do. I have read while surfing that six inches is adequate but I sorta doubt that number.

Would you go for eight inches per bird or would you lose floor space and add room on the roost? This is a small coop of only 32 sq ft for six chickens but I want it available for up to eight hens if possible. I think each area taken up with roost will reduce the usable sq ft of the coop.

If it matters the birds range in size from the largest being a Brahma to the smallest being a faverolle.


Thanks again.

 

[Judy]

I've read 9" so I imagine 8" would work. Mine squish together even more than this. It might be a problem in summer heat, though.

 

[elmo]

I'm not really understanding the problem with roost space taking up floor space. If you use a droppings board under the roost, the area under the droppings board is free and clear for use as floor space, right?

 

[Huskeriowa]

The coop is a raised coop. The height of the 'living space' in the coop itself is four feet tall. So if i put the roost 2 to 2.5 feet off the ground then the poop board is laying on the floor of the coop. So I guess I don't think I can count the area of the poop board as usable space since it is taking up floor space. Hope that makes sense.