Roosting Bar

[BirdsInParadise]

I recall reading somewhere that Silkies don't use roosting bar thingies? As such, i didn't incorporate one into my coop.
Should I?

Thank you for any and all replies!

 

[Poultry parent]

my silkie roo does use the roosting bar, chickens need one or it can cause some health problems

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Thanks, PP!!!

How high/wide should one be?
Round? Flat?
More than 1?

 

[Poultry parent]

one chicken needs about 9'' of roosting space, and the roost should be made from a square piece of wood, i think about 2 1/2'-3' is a good height

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Well, my coop is only 3' high so maybe I'll make a roost 12-15" high...

Poor planning.

 

[SkyShepherd]

How much head room should they have above the bar? I am just planning my coop now. I've read about the floor space requirements for each chicken but not much about the roosting bar here.

If I place it 2 1/2' above the floor, that will leave ~ 1 1/2 feet above it, enough or too much?

Also, I was thinking of placing it closer to a wall and putting a poop catching shelf below it. How far should I keep it from the wall?

Sorry for all of the questions, TIA

 

[BruceAZ]

i have 3

1 in the run and 2 in the coop..

6', 2 ft and 2.5ft

it's pretty much summer already so they use the 2ft in the coop -- since it's closer to the ventilation holes

i'm guess they will use the 6" in one during the winter since it's would be warmer

if you don't trim their wings i think 3ft-4ft will be fine.. but i would say 4ft is too tall.. getting on and off is a problem

 

[BirdsInParadise]

Thank you for the input. Ill put a ciyple in the run and TRY to put one in the coop (headspace).

 

[BruceAZ]

if you have space in your run..

put in a chicken swing for them

use hooks and chains + your extra roosting bar

also.. if you can... find tree branches to use as their roosting bars.. if not just rounded of the sharp edges of those 2x2 or 2x3 or 2x4

the wood from the mops or closet rods will also work

i'm still looking for the perfect tree branches of the perfect size as roost bars for my chickens

they like natural branches.. like in these pictures.. even though it's only a shrub and the branches are too small.. they still like to roost on them