Roost redo

[Willie84]

I have just made and installed a new roost for my coop. The chickens refuse to use it. I’m just wondering what is the best shape of wood to use. I have 30 mm round dowel for the bar but no one is keen on it.

 

[andreanar]

My birds prefer a 2x4 with the 4 inch side to stand on.

 

[hlhutchinson]

We have a 2x4 also with wide side up in the coop. In the run we have a larg tree branch they like both
However someone had mentioned they used a wood hand railing I like this idea it's rounded so they don't have to sit flat footed but gives them a larger perch that they can hunker down on and cover there toes in the winter. If and when we do a make over on our coop I'm goin to try the hand railing

 

[Ridgerunner]

Chickens are creatures of habit and don’t like change. Sometimes it takes them a while to get used to a change. Patience is often your friend.

Chickens tend to roost on the highest thing available. How high is the new roost compared to the old?

How old are they? Were they roosting before? My brooder-raised chicks normally start roosting around 10 to 12 weeks. I’ve had some start at 5 weeks, I’ve had some go much longer than 12 weeks, but 10 to 12 is a good average.

30 mm is about an inch and a quarter. That’s a little small but chickens have been known to roost on ¾” (19 mm) plywood. As well as how old they are, what breeds do you have? That will give a clue as to how big they are.

A few years back I played around with round tree branches, a 2x4 flat, and a 2x4 on edge. My conclusion is that people care about the shape of the roosts a lot more than chickens do.

Can you post a photo of your set-up and give us a bit more information. There’s not a lot to go on in your post.

 

[barneveldrerman]

What you used as a roost should be fine. Chickens don't like a lot of change and so it may take a while for them to get used to it. Try to put them onto the stick at night if you can. Eventually they should learn to stay on the roost.

Good lick and hope this helped!!!

 

[theoldchick]

The 2 x 4 has been proven to be the most liked roost in my flock. However, now that my girls are older they like the top of the nest boxes because SOMEBODY did not make slanted tops. If your chickens are picky give them a variety of roosts to perch on. Mine like 2 x 4, 1 x 6, 4 x 4. I don't have a round roost in my coop at all! Be mindful of the fact that chickens can't grip like a parrot. If you have a chicken sit on your arm note how they balance. They use their entire body to stay on your arm. If you move they will move. Keep moving and they will leave. Make sure the roost is sturdy and does not wobble. And remember the super large breeds will appreciate a wide perch to rest on.