roosting question

[destorieswind]

for the roosts,
do the chickens need to be able to wrap their feet around the roost(ex a tree branch compared to a 2by4)
right now they sit on a board thats about 3 inches wide.
just wondering before I hammer it down.
thanks

 

[sunnydee]

The only thing I have heard about the size of roosts is if you are in a colder climate. For example, my girls' roosts are made out of 2x4's so they lay on their feet and toes to keep them warm.

I can't think of any other reason...except for maybe if you have heavy breeds and they may be more comfortable with a little more room.

 

[chickenporkarosa]

I have an old wooden ladder in thier coop, next to the nests. All 12 hens stick together on the ladder about 2 -3 rungs from the floor of the coop. It's been really cold the past 3 days, so I put a heat lamp in the coop to give them some warmth. So far, so good!

 

[Chirpy]

A 2x4 with the 4" side up is the best roost for most chickens.

 

[cmom]

I have two roosts, one is a 2x4 with the 4" side up and the other is a 1x3 with the 3" side up. They always roost on the 2x4.

 

[chickenporkarosa]

I'll give those 2x4s a try in the coop tomarrow. They might like that better-thanks