Roosts, 2 x 4s and rounded edge question

[underground chickenman]

They need to be able to reach it. I stagger mine about 18 inches a part starting at about 18 inches off the ground all the way up to about 5.5 feet. If you have lighter breeds that can fly, you can get away with more distance, but heavy breeds should not have to hop up or down more than a couple of feet. They will always roost on the highest location, so be sure your highest roost is above your nest boxes.

UGCM

 

[svalentine]

What if it's too low? Only about 8" off the floor of the coop? It looks like they can get up and down easily, but seem to stay. On another subject that I wrote about in a different place, do you know why all 15 of them try to cram into a small corner literally on top of each other.? It isn't temp. It's pretty warm here in NC already.

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Chickens like to snuggle with each other, especially when they're young. Chicks wiggle right under the hen's feathers and stay under her and in her "wing pits." It must feel safe and cozy under there. I artificially brooded a batch of chicks last spring, and I noticed they all kept trying to snuggle under each other, even though none of them was much bigger than any of the others.

And generally speaking they instinctively like to roost as high as they can (for the particular breed).

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Cynthia, how are your nest boxes situated height-wise in regards to the roost?

Thanks,
Ed