Roost Height

[jdr250]

Hi all, we are putting the finishing touches on our new chicken coop (old shed). I read on here that the roost should be higher than the nest boxes? We put in 2 rows of nest boxes the top is about 37" off the ground is a roost that is about 40" too high or will they need a ramp to get up there. As you can tell by my questions this is our first attempt at chickens. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[chickflick]

Do you have bantams or standard hens?? My first roost is 3 ft off the ground and then at 4 and 5 ft. Now, standard hens can jump 40 in....so you should be ok.

 

[jdr250]

They are standard red sexes. You sound like you have more than one roost. Should I have several? I have 5 chicks right now.

 

[chickflick]

With only 5 chicks, I wouldn't worry about it.... now if you are planning on getting more, you might want to just do it now. All my chickens fight for the highest roost, tho. Some go in early just to get their favorite spot! I have a cut down ladder to help my two silkies up to the roost. If you want, till your girls are big enough, you can have something to lead them up to the roost until they are comfortable with jumping up there. some hens are slower on getting the idea to jump up there. When you first put them in their coop, they'll probably just all pile in a corner. Give them time, they'll get the idea and all will be well.