Roost height?

[EastCoastChickens]

Building a coop for 4 hens. I've attached a photo of the inside. I've got one roost installed at 30", and I will be installing another one under the window at a lower level. Just wondering if 30" is too high ? Any thoughts?

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

30” is definitely not too high. My flock prefers roosting on the highest ones available.
Nice coop! Is there a predator proof run attached?

 

[Shadrach]

Building a coop for 4 hens. I've attached a photo of the inside. I've got one roost installed at 30", and I will be installing another one under the window at a lower level. Just wondering if 30" is too high ? Any thoughts?

A few thoughts.
Getting on to high roosts is fairly straightforward for young fit chickens; it's getting down that can cause problems. If they get down one at a time and have a clear flight path it's not too bad. If more than one heads for the ground at the same time then looking at your picture it seems contact between the hens is possible and that can mean untidy landing and injuries.
The impact force on a dual purpose breed chickens legs from 30" high when landing is considerable.
Ideally perches at hop on height are more suitable for heavier breeds. My more elderly hens are not remotely interested in high perches so the age of the chickens may be something to take into account.

 

[EastCoastChickens]

30” is definitely not too high. My flock prefers roosting on the highest ones available.
Nice coop! Is there a predator proof run attached?

Awesome! Good to hear! I've just finished the trim on the coop today, now I'll be working on the enclosure . It will be 12'x6' with 1/2" Hardware cloth all around. That will hopefully be their daily enclosure but we also have a large fenced yard we would love for them to free range in!

 

[EastCoastChickens]

A few thoughts.
Getting on to high roosts is fairly straightforward for young fit chickens; it's getting down that can cause problems. If they get down one at a time and have a clear flight path it's not too bad. If more than one heads for the ground at the same time then looking at your picture it seems contact between the hens is possible and that can mean untidy landing and injuries.
The impact force on a dual purpose breed chickens legs from 30" high when landing is considerable.
Ideally perches at hop on height are more suitable for heavier breeds. My more elderly hens are not remotely interested in high perches so the age of the chickens may be something to take into account.

Thats so helpful! Thank you!!! I put the one at 30" and i was going to build a second one lower, just under the window to give them an option of lower or higher. Do you think this would be a good idea to give an option?

 

[Shadrach]

Thats so helpful! Thank you!!! I put the one at 30" and i was going to build a second one lower, just under the window to give them an option of lower or higher. Do you think this would be a good idea to give an option?

I think you'll find that they will all try for the highest roost so maybe a second roost lower isn't going to help. 30" should be doable for most chickens. Maybe watch them one morning and make a judgment on height after you've seen them jump down.
I go for not more that 12" from the nearest large flat surface below in my coops.