Roosting Issues

[aart]

I’m attaching a picture very similar to what I was using.

Pic tells us nothing, need to know dimensions.

No it’s pretty solid

Was it attached to the blocks?
Looks like it's just sitting there.

For the bar itself, a 2x3, 2x4, thick branch (2" diameter or more) will all work fine. If using wood boards, round off edges with sandpaper to make it more comfy.

Follow this^^^ good advice.

Instead of dinking around with low roosts, build them for the future, they will figure out how to get up there. You can use those blocks as 'steps' if they can't fly up on their own after you put them up there yourself a few times.

Here some tips about heights that might help:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/coop-stack-up-how-high-stuff-works-well.73427/

 

[wamtazlady]

Narrow is surprising to me based on the reaction I was having with the wider board. I’m attaching a picture very similar to what I was using. From the responses I got I just need to sand the corners and removed the higher trash can of this post

If that stick you are using is not about 2 inches wide, it will not make a good perch for chickens. From the picture it looks about 1 inch. Sanding the corners will not make it wider.

 

[hcdeshazer]

Like I said, that smaller board was my second attempt. Based on what everyone said my original board was better, it just needed to be higher. I’ll put it back in, move out the trash can and sand down the edges. I’m attaching the original board I used in the first place

 

[BigBlueHen53]

You need a 2x4, laid flat side up, anchored solid so it doesn't rock, higher than the trash can, with the rough edges sanded smooth so they can't snag theit nails in it or get splinters in their feet. That will make them happy.

Typo

 

[Buckeye Amy]

Also, if you have access to natural tree branches, they make wonderful perches. I like to use them as much as possible. I leave the bark on but trim any small twigs flush so that the chickens won't get poked by anything. I find that the natural branches are preferred to the 2 x 4's I also provide.