Roost space

[tsperry88]

I have understood the rule of thumb to be 8" of roost space for average sized birds. Currently I have slightly more in my coop than I probably should have. The roost is 9' long which gives 6.75" of roost space for each. Half the flock is full grown and half the flock is slightly less than full grown. They currently roost together happily. Will they want more space when it gets warmer or they all become full grown? All breeds are medium size breeds.

 

[DobieLover]

I have understood the rule of thumb to be 8" of roost space for average sized birds. Currently I have slightly more in my coop than I probably should have. The roost is 9' long which gives 6.75" of roost space for each. Half the flock is full grown and half the flock is slightly less than full grown. They currently roost together happily. Will they want more space when it gets warmer or they all become full grown? All breeds are medium size breeds.

They are going to want more space. They need to hold their wings away from their bodies during summer to help cool off. They can also be rather nasty to each other when hormones hit.

 

[RubelliteRose]

I have 8' of roost space in a L shape for 8 birds. In the winter they sometimes crowd together on the short 3' section. In the summer, they spread out as far from each other as they can. (They are 10 months old and are in the 4-6 lb range)

 

[Sycamore Hill Chicks]

They could have some more space, especially when it is hot in the summer.

 

[tsperry88]

I'll have to get creative. The roost is easy. I have a portable one with T shaped legs I used when the young ones wouldn't sleep with the adults. I hate not having a dropping board under it though.

 

[kerbotx]

I've always heard 1' of roosting space for standard chickens, which is fine in winter, but they want more like 2' in summer when it's super hot.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have understood the rule of thumb to be 8" of roost space for average sized birds. Currently I have slightly more in my coop than I probably should have. The roost is 9' long which gives 6.75" of roost space for each. Half the flock is full grown and half the flock is slightly less than full grown. They currently roost together happily. Will they want more space when it gets warmer or they all become full grown? All breeds are medium size breeds.

Rule of thumb is 12", which allows birds to get up and down or spread out if needed (like in summer). I would add more roost space. If they choose to crowd together, that's up to them.