Roosting: how to best serve your chickens

[richard perkins]

I am building a coop. My first such effort. We have been raising chickens for only one year so we are inexperienced at all this. My understanding is that chickens prefer to roost 5-6' off the floor of the coop on a flat service (such as a 2X4). Is that the consensus view?

 

[miss_thenorth]

Don't know about the height of the roost, but my hens roost on a 3/4 inch plywood part-wall that we have separating the coop from the rest of the barn even though we have roosts in there . they are about 4 ft off the ground. Take a look at coop design and construction section. If you post in there-- you will probably get more hits on Q than by posting in the recipes section.

good luck!

 

[QP]

I've heard that u start 1 and a half foot off the ground then go up half a foot each rung

 

[DougD]

For large chickens I think the best size is about 2.5" wide and 1/2" to 3/4" thick so they can wrap their toes around. Strapping material works great. Roosts should be sanded smooth to prevent cuts and splinters. Rounding off the edges is good also.

Most chickens will tend to roost in the highest spot they can get to.

 

[Brian]

I'm not sure there is a consensus, but the closest thing I've found to it is that people tend to recommend 2x4, set flat side up. This way, in freezing weather, the hens can lay flat atop of their feet, thus keeping them warm. I've got mine set up so that the narrow end is up. I think it is a little more natural for their feet to grip around something. And...I believe the chickens legs are still covered by their feathers.

In all honesty, I suspect it matters more to us than the chickens. They'll roost on whatever, and I agree that they like the 5-6 feet off the ground part, with the only caveat being that they often require some help getting up to them (as they age), like a crate on it's side, or an intermediary perch.

Don't sweat it, it will be fine!

Brian