Roost Size

[WetHen]

My still growing hens are happily roosting on a closet rod -- it's 1-3/8 inches in diameter. I've read that the ideal size for a roost is 2 inches in diameter. Is the small size roost a problem for full grown hens? I have some full-size cochins and buff orps so some pretty big birds when they are mature.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

I would recommend a 2" x 3" board, with the 3" side up. Chicken's toes don't curl & grip the way songbirds and parrots toes do.

I'm sure other's will voice an opinion too.

 

[Dilly]

Hello all.

I read that i t is best to use a 2x4 for roost material. Got it.

Now how far off the wall should the roost be so they do nnot poop all down the wall?

Will a four foot long roost be suitable for six hens? I would prefer not to have more than one roost and keep it over the removable poop bin. I am afraid if I put any lower ones the hens will just poop on one another.

Next is if My roost is at say five foot high, will I need to put in a latter for them. If so, should the latter be solid, if not, how far apart should the steps be? I am thinking of building the latter out of 2x2's if that would work.

So come on you experts help this dilly girl build her ladies the very best efficient coop possible.

 

[WetHen]

When you say, 3" side up ... do you mean that they are actually standing (roosting) on the 3" side? Thanks.

 

[Dilly]

Hi Yes from what I haev picked up the chickens need the larger area to stand on. Thus why they recommend not using rods etc.

 

[gumpsgirl]

I am going to use 2 X 4's for my roosts with the 4" side up. That way my chickens can just sit/balance comfortably without wearing their little toes out trying to grip a board all night long!