Roosting Pole Poll...

[NissaRM]

We are in the middle of building our first coop, and I've been seeing both, so do y'all think your chickens prefer roosting on a pole/dowel rod or on a more rectangular piece/2x4?

 

[hlhutchinson]

If you have cold weather a larger roost putting the 2x4 4in side up allows them to cover all there toes when roosting decreases the chance of frost bite. This is what my research has given me so we went with the 2x4 in the coop and then natural branches in the run

 

[Beer can]

I've used both in my coops. For the poles I used poles out of trees, saplings, good sized round about a little bigger than a beer can , 3.5-4 inches? They did just fine on the 2x4s but I think the poles are more natural for their feet and at that size just as good as the 2x4 as far as frost prevention maybe better?

 

[SuperMell]

We have several fruit trees that required significant pruning when we bought our house so some of the larger limbs were saved for roosts. The roost of choice for our girls is a 3-4 in diameter pomegranate branch. Given a choice, they have always preferred to roost on something round rather than a flat board.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I picked "dowel" as you didn't have branches as an option, though I see a few others have already said they're using branches as well. They're free and fairly easy to work with (cut off the ends and then sandpaper as needed to make sure there's no pointy bits) and the natural tapering and unevenness of the diameter I feel is better for their feet (granted that's a hold over from being a cockatiel/parakeet owner).

 

[BYCforlife]

Actually, some of my chickens prefer a platform, E.g. On top of nesting box. I think that is absolute best for winter nights.

 

[jeria]

I'm wondering the same as also working on my coop and run. Instead of 2x4's does anyone use 2x3's ?

 

[coach723]

I'm wondering the same as also working on my coop and run. Instead of 2x4's does anyone use 2x3's ?

I have both 2x4's and 2x3's, both get used about the same, some birds prefer one over the other. I also have branches and stumps around the run and they pretty much use everything. I prefer the 2x4's or 2x3's inside the coop as they are easier to clean, I have a mix of all of them in my run outside. Younger birds will tend to prefer the smaller roosts as they have smaller feet, one reason I have a variety.

 

[jeria]

Thanks, I'm thinking also of adding a swing in my run with possibly a no longer used wooden closet pole and some natural branches for another roost option. With plans of using a 2x3 (leftover from house projects) as a roost in the coop,. Only 4 chicks.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I've tried 2x4's on edge, 2x4's flat, and tree branches. I've moved them around and mixed them up to see which they prefer. From what I've seen they prefer to sleep on the highest thing available. Mine also like the area right in front of the window. From what I've seen shape doesn't matter to them, other things are more important, like location.

I want the tree branches large enough so they can wrap their toes around them so they can hold on. How big that is will depend on the size of your chickens, but a lot of closet dowel rods aren't very big around. They need to be strong enough to hold up the weight. If you use a 2x3 or 2x4 or some other sawn lumber I suggest sandpapering the corners to remove any splinters. You don't want them getting bumblefoot.