I'm still real green at this. Just got my coop built, and I was wondering if the roost needs to be round, or can you use something like a 2X2 or a 2X4?
I was wondering this too. All the pics I've seen on here seem to have the 2x4 with the skinny side up- in other words the 2" side. If that's the case a 2x2 would work just as well right?
Cold-winter areas are where it is more worthwhile giving them the 4" side of the 2x4 to roost on... makes it easier to completely tuck feathers all around the toes. A 2x3 also works fine for my hens, dunno whether there might be larger-footed ones out there though.
If frostbite is not a serious issue then it may not matter which way you have the 2x4.