Roost

[dsteber]

Hello all!!! Newbie here!! I posted a few weeks ago saying hi from New Orleans!! Anyway, I have 4 chicks--a Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire Red, Barred Rock, and Blue Lace. They will be 8 weeks old around Sunday. I have had them since last Sunday. They will not get up on their roost by themselves. We have had to put them on it every night. It is a large dowel. Should I maybe change it to a 2 x 4, or just wait?

 

[JackE]

The birds will figure it out on their own after awhile. They'll sleep in a pile, one day the light bulb will go on, and the roost bars will be the place to be. As far as the roost bar size goes, I use 2X4s, wide side up for my birds. From what I've read about chicken's feet, they are not like regular birds feet, as they spend most of their time walking around than flying. So they need a kinda wide comfortable roost bar.
Jack

 

[dsteber]

Thanks so much!!! That dang ole dowel cost 12 bucks!!! LOL!!! I will replace it with the 2 x 4. Thanks again.

 

[suzeqf]

I use pvc pipe and a ladder adn they seem to like it, my little girls still hang out on the floor but they are only 10 weeks old

 

[Masschickens]

I'm having the same issues with using dowels. I am going to try a ramp to them and if that doesn't work I will change to a larger board. Good luck

 

[Kadjain]

Why not use tree branches? They're free and are what chickens would roost on naturally. Chickens might not be flighted birds but if you bend their leg you can see the flexor tendon working. I think a round roost would be better for their feet than a 2x4. I have both cut lumber and branches for roosts. Most of my birds choose the natural tree branches.

 

[This_chicks_place]

We use a 2x4. Not sure of the weather in your area, but when they can sit down on their feet in the winter it keeps their toes warm to prevent frostbite also.

 

[Kadjain]

I read about the frostbite on the toes a lot but I would have to see it before I believe it. Any northerners have stories of their birds getting frostbitten toes from roosting on a round roost with pic to prove it? I'm not trying to lay down a challenge just wondering if it's more than "I think this could happen" tale.