Roosting bars..

[MsBoPeep]

We are nearly finished building our coop and the next project we would like to get done is the roosting bars and run..As far as the roosting bars what do chickens prefer? I've heard from a Youtuber that they prefer rounded bars about an 1"-1 1/2" thick. Is this true or does it matter all that much? We have Rhode Island Reds and Black Sexlinks. Thanks!

 

[Ridgerunner]

The more people you talk to the more different ideas you will get about roosts. Some people can feel pretty passionate about their opinions. And everyone can come up with studies or reasons why their way is best, whatever way that is. It's just something I find that people care about much more than the chickens do.

I'll link to where someone tried different roosts to see what the chickens preferred. Some people might find it interesting reading. This is only on what the chickens preferred, not what is best as far as supporting the feet while roosting. There are different studies that come to different conclusions on that.

Perch Experiment

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

Some people want a flat roost, on the theory that the chickens will squat on their feet in freezing weather and protect against frostbite. What I see is that when they squat on the thinner roosts in cold weather their feet disappear in their feathers anyway. In Southern Florida that is not a concern for you at all. In my opinion as long as you don't get below -20 F (-30 C) that's not a big deal anyway, but that's my opinion. That's worth no more and no less than anyone else's opinion.

In my opinion roosts should be wood because of the heat conductive properties. Wood does not conduct heat well. In South Florida you are not worried about cold but it's possible too much heat could be a problem.

Chickens will roost on totally flat surfaces, like a shelf over 12" wide. I've seen them try to roost on a 3/4" wide piece of plywood on end. That's too thin, it's hard for them to stay balanced but that hen did. I kind of use the width of a 2x4 on edge as a minimum though I've seen them roost on tree branches thinner than that. as far as I'm concerned 2x4's are great, whether on edge or flat. If you use lumber I suggest you sand off the sharp edges whether they are flat or on edge. That's not because it is more comfortable for them to grasp but to remove the danger of splinters.

1-1/2" diameter or larger round wooden bars would work well as long as they are strong enough to not sag under the weight of the chickens. That's going to depend on the span. Tree limbs can work great too. My main roosts are tree limbs because they were available after an ice storm. I have a secondary roost with a 2x4 on edge because I had that available when I needed it and the way it was framed in on edge was easier.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I have 3 inch round branch and 2×3 stud on the other side of each other. Most if not all prefer the 2x3 stud over the round branch.

You could try a fun experiment. Swap the two and, after a week, see if shape really is what makes the difference. I did that once with a 2x4 flat, 2x4 on edge, and a tree branch. That's a big reason why I think people care more about the shape of the roost than chickens do. I found that location in the coop was more important.

 

[DobieLover]

1" is a bit small. I'd shoot more for 1.5-2.0". Round or rounded corners. Something with texture that doesn't conduct heat/cold: wood works best IMO. Ripped and rounded over 2x4s and natural branches work well.
Aiming for 12" per bird is a good idea.

 

[3KillerBs]

The more people you talk to the more different ideas you will get about roosts. Some people can feel pretty passionate about their opinions. And everyone can come up with studies or reasons why their way is best, whatever way that is. It's just something I find that people care about much more than the chickens do.

That's just what I was going to say.

My roosts are natural "branches" -- actually the trunks of saplings we were clearing. Because 2x4's cost money and the trees needed clearing anyway.

 

[kerbotx]

I think that's what I might do as well! I was under the impression they need something wrap their foot around but I don't think that's the case..

That's true of songbirds, cockatiels, etc - but not chickens. Chickens actually rest on their keel bone, and use their feet more for balance, not as much for gripping. I use 2x4s, and I've had them both ways; my flock prefers the 2" side.

 

[K0k0shka]

Yes, on those cold nights last week my birds squished themselves into 2/3 of the normal space.

Mine go even further, and squish themselves into half their usual space!

8 chickens in both photos:

 

[Krugerrand]

I've had the good fortune of finding these on the clearance rack at Home Depot.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/2-in-x-4-in-x-6-ft-Moulded-Handrail-Pressure-Treated-118353/203208261

I was able to cut off the damaged ends.

 

[K0k0shka]

I use 2x4 and they actually prefer that over the 2" round bar. 1x3 if its laid flat shouldnt be an issue depending on length, it may bow... But youd have to have some really fat overweight birds to break it even at 6' length.

I would not trust 1x3 at 6 feet long with chickens on it. It bows just being carried around before you even install it! Plus, this size board is usually sold as furring strips, which are made of low quality wood and aren’t meant to be durable. They have a lot of knots and imperfections in them and snap easily.

 

[Tonyroo]

Just I would show my 11 chickens in there coop.