roost

[del gallinero]

Hi. Can anyone help with roost size and direction? Specifically, I am looking to buy a coop which has a 2X4 in its vertical position-- the 2 going across and the 4 going vertically. This doesn't
seem right to me, but I have no chicken experience. In other people's coops I have seen a 2x4 placed on the diagonal or flat with the 4 going horizontally. If I were to get chickens of average size like Golden Comet or Black Star or Brahmas... what size of roost bar would you use and what side up? I might be able to re-position it. Thanks in advance.

 

[gale65]

Our roost is that way right now. We have heavy breeds but they're only about 3 mos old right now. In our new coop we'll be using it with the 4" up. Some say if you live in a colder climate, the wider side up lets them cover their feet with their feathers when it's cold out.

 

[seanb]

I didn't use 2x4s in my coop. I cut 3"-4" diameter branches and used them instead. Just seems more natural for a chicken's foot to wrap around a round surface.