Roost Ideas

[LeghornLisa]

Hello Everyone,

I need some help building a roost for 6 chicks, 2 BO's 2 silkies and 2 Cochins. My coop is 8 x 10...any suggestions? Pics would be helpful, thanks

 

[catwalk]

My silkie likes to roost, but she won't use the regular one. Before I made her a ramp into the coop, she roosted on a 2X2 on the ground, and now she roosts on the top of the ramp. A natural branch would make a good roost for the others. One limb would have different heights and diameters, so everyone could pick their favorite spot. A pussy willow bush has long straight branches.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I'm not sure where you live. People in cold climates like to use 2x4's with the flat side up so the chickens settle on their feet at night and keep them warm. Many others use a 2x4 with the thin side up in warmer climates. In both cases, the corners should be rounded.

Chicken's ancestors naturally roosted on tree branches. I'd suggest an inch and a half minimum diameter and larger is probably better. If you use a tree branch, you need to take the bark off. Roost mites hide in cracks during the day and attack chickens at night while they roost. The bark gives them a place to hide and makes it hard to treat.

I don't have pictures but I made mine removeable so I can clean the coop easier. I drilled a hole through each end and in the support it is resting on, then put a nail through to hold it in place. Or perhaps you could notch the support to receive it.

I'd make it a minimum of 6 feet long, at least 1 foot from the wall, and about 12" higher than your nesting boxes. Do not put waterers or feeders under the roosts. Use wood. Plastic or metal cools off too much and is too hard on their feet.

 

[LeghornLisa]

Thank you very much, you were very helpful

 

[MIKE555444]

Mostly because it was cheap and effective I used landscaping timbers. They only cost 3.90 ea. for 8 foot timbers and they already have a smooth edge. They are still wide enough so the feet stay nice and warm in the winter when they roost

In a small attempt to make it harder for predators to reach them, if one was to get in, I don't have any low poles... just a milk crate they hop on and fly up to the roost.