Roosting Bars-Round vs Square

[Cloverfluff]

Hi everyone,

I just wanted some opinions on the shape of recommended roosting bars. Most of the common ones are 1 x 1 inch bars, but I have read (somewhere) that the edges can cause issues with the feet due to the edges. I have rigged two out of four of the ones supplied with the coop with sisal rope wrapped from end to end to create a more rounded shape. Those are the ones that the hens seem to sleep on more. I am hoping to treat the roost in the chick coop the same way.

 

[nuthatched]

2x3 or 2x4, 1x1 is far too small

 

[theoldchick]

I use a 2 x 4 with the flat side up for adult chickens. But if you think about it you can use different size roosts and let the birds decide what they like. I've notice the large breed chickens seem to enjoy the flat side of a 2 x 4 while the bantams seem to like smaller roosts.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have some 2x2 and 1x4 in my coop and a 2x4 and a tree branch in the run so they can choose where they want to sleep

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I use a 2x2 for the roosting bars and it works great. The bars are painted and the corners sanded down. No issues at all with it.

 

[Cloverfluff]

2x3 or 2x4, 1x1 is far too small

It might be larger, it originally came with the coop and I didn't really measure it. But good to know moving forward

 

[thecatumbrella]

Flat top, rounded edge. A hand rail is the ultimate roost, but you’ll pay for it.

 

[DobieLover]

Flat top, rounded edge. A hand rail is the ultimate roost, but you’ll pay for it.

A proper sized branch is the ultimate roost and it's free.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have rigged two out of four of the ones supplied with the coop with sisal rope wrapped from end to end to create a more rounded shape. Those are the ones that the hens seem to sleep on more.

Keep in mind a rope wrap will provide a lot of hiding space for roost mites if you ever get them.

As far as what chickens prefer: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

 

[Mother of Chaos]

Keep in mind a rope wrap will provide a lot of hiding space for roost mites if you ever get them.

As far as what chickens prefer: https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

Thank you for this link! You have saved me from a deep dive hunting for it.