Roosting Questions

[chickenscratch]

Hello. I have 2 questions.

1-Does it matter if the roost is a round dowel or a square piece of wood like a 1x2 or 2x4 on edge?

2-The original roost I built for my chickens wasn't very well thought out and they out grew it or so I thought. So I moved it 2 feet away and built it a little different and they won't go on it. Everynight when I go to the coop there they are sitting on top of the nesting boxes where the old roost used to be. I think I need to rebuild their roost in the original spot. They are 8-9 months old.

What does anyone think?

 

[claud]

I have 1 x 2s that work well. You will probably have to physically move them to their new roost for a few nights(or more) until they get the hang of it - creatures of habit.

 

[chickenlady]

A 2x4 is the best to use IMO. Let them stand on the 4" side. This way their body covers their feet and will prevent frostbite. I put in a new roost as well. My birds would not use it, they used the nest boxes and the floor. Everynight for a week in the dark, I would go out there with a flashlight and put them all on the new roost. They are finally used to it now and go on it without my help. Good luck to you.

 

[mattmatts-momma]

Hi,

How far should the roosts be away from the wall? How much room will the full grown chicken need to turn around?

 

[chickenlady]

Depends on what breed, I say about 18" should be minimum from the wall for standards, JMO.