Roost shape and size

[toyzbox]

We are putting the finishing touchs on the coop. We had some big wood poles to use as a roost. The are about 2 inchs dia. But I've seen on some other posts that 2x4s are better. I have parrots at home and I know they like their purches to be round. I guess my question is, what's best for their feet?

 

[RHewitt]

Well the ancestors of our modern chickens all perched in trees that have round limbs. I think your round woods poles will work just fine. I use 2 X4's with the edges cut / rounded off and they work good as well. If you have room offer both and see which roost they prefer.

 

[conny63malies]

Quote:
The 2x4 are better in cold weather because the chickens will sit on their feet keeping them warm. But depending on breed and locations 2x2's will work just fine. Since it goes rarely goes below 35F i think you can get away with 2x2's.

 

[Gloria]

Being in Florida you probably won't have to worry to much about frostbite. Here in Michigan I use a 2x4 so they can actually sit on their feet so they don't get frostbite.

In your case I would go ahead and use the poles if you already have them.

 

[toyzbox]

Thanks for the input.
RHewitt, good idea. I know in the parrot world they tell you to offer more than one type or shape of perch. I think I may also take some sandpaper and rough up the surface for better grip. Wouldn't want the little darlings to slip off in the middle of the night. But a chicken thud does sound kinda funny

 

[patandchickens]

I'm not sure you want to rough the roost up much, it will make it harder to scrape poo off it (and I guarantee that some poo will get on the roost).

It seems to me that they don't care too much about flat vs somewhat rounded but mine do act like they prefer wider to narrower. And of course they all want to be on the highest roost possible

Chickens don't really hold onto the roost with their toes like "real birds" (please don't hit me <g>) do... the toes curve around the perch but they don't, like, HANG ON, you know? So it's not quite the same as with a parrot.

Have fun,

Pat

 

[skya328]

I have both a branch and a 2 x 4 for a roost in my coop. They seem to use the 2 x 4 instead of the branch, but the 2 x 4 is a little higher. I'm sure if I reversed them they'd be on the branch. They don't seem to care much!

 

[REELDOC]

Are you placing your 2x4's with the 4" side up or the 2" side up?

 

[patandchickens]

In places where frostbit toes and generally-cold birds is an issue in winter, it's much smarter to put them flat side up (so the 4", well ok it's technically less than 4", side is what they're standing on).

Elsewhere it makes less difference.


Pat