Roost!?!?

[Slongest]

My opinion every chicken should have a place to roost if they wish... and are the ones roosting during the day chicks or grown if they arent mature they'll fall into more of a routine as they mature and roost at night. Or do they always have light in their coop? if its always lit they get a little mixed up ive made the mistake and left the lights on all night and they think its time to run and play..

 

[redneck farmer]

O I c

 

[redneck farmer]

O I c

 

[redneck farmer]

What should be the diameter of a roost?

 

[TwoCrows]

2x2's work well for bantam types and 2x4's (4 side up) work well for large breeds. Make sure they are splinter free and it helps to round the top surface edges off a bit so the toes can curl a bit around the bar as they roost.

 

[PineTopFarm]

I'm currently converting an old barn/run-in shed into a coup for my growing flock. For roosts I'm using extra fence rails (see picture) that I have. Since the chickens roost on this fence most mornings and evenings anyway I figured they'd do well if I used the same rails in the coop.

Egghead:
Thanks for the board and batten pictures. That just might solve my problem with drafts in the old barn.

 

[NYSAHMof3]

So what I am gathering from most is you need 12" per bird? Also you need roosts to be above nesting boxes? 12-18" spread per roost and 12" height difference for ladder style? Poop board undernearth that is something cleanable (ie. laminate surface)? Any other thoughts? What about my chicks when they first go in, they are 8 weeks and won't be able to reach 36" off floor? Should we make a temporary ladder?

 

[Meld75]

The past few nights one of our chickens has decided to roost up in the tree instead if going in the coop. Not sure why she is doing this. Should I b concerned? Leave her there or what? I close up the run doors so no varmits get in. But not sure what to do

 

[RoosterLew]

If the tree is safe in the run, I'd leave her there. Maybe the coop is too hot? They like fresh air, maybe she's the "out-doorsy" type of gal? LOL

 

[Meld75]

Well the tree is outside the run that's the issue. But she seems to b okay