Roosts round or flat?

[mule ears]

So my boyfriend and I seem to debate a lot on if the roosts in the chicken coop should be round/narrow or flat. I say the chickens look awkward on the square 2x2s and think they would prefer a 2x4 with the flat side up.

 

[azygous]

Okay, you are correct. A two-inch surface isn't quite adequate for adult chickens.

 

[mule ears]

Okay, you are correct. A two-inch surface isn't quite adequate for adult chickens.

Yes they just look so awkward on them didn't seem like it could be right.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Read this. Someone actually did a study on this.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

The thin side of a 2x4 is 1-1/2" wide. My adult chickens are happy with that.

 

[Shadrach]

Round, or better still oval wide side up. Branches work well. I've not managed to catch a chicken up a tree trying to plane a branch flat yet.

 

[JazzyzGurl]

I've read that it depends on where you live. Here in MN it gets COLD, so having the flat side of a 2x4 allows the chickens to tuck their feet under their fluffy belly and keep them warm, so they don't get frostbite.

 

[Owain1]

Oh man, my mother and I got into an argument over this. I had read that the flat side of a 2x4 because they actually rest their weight on it & it provides protection from the cold. She is convinced that they naturally grip so they need to be able to get their claws around the perch. I spent hours on line and all I could get is it depends on the chicken. I tried both methods, but they just seem to favor the higher perch whichever way it is. I did round the edges of the 2x4. Whenever I get some time I'm going to set the perches at the same height and try both to see what they prefer.

 

[Ridgerunner]

I did round the edges of the 2x4.

When I use a 2x4 I round the edges. Not to make it more comfortable for the chickens to grip but to remove splinters. I just hit it with sandpaper, doesn't take long.

Whenever I get some time I'm going to set the perches at the same height and try both to see what they prefer.

Good! Please report back when you do. It's always interesting. But remember, height isn't the only thing. Location can make a difference too. Mine prefer being near my window so that might affect your results. That study I linked above took that into consideration.

I've lived where it got below 0* F. When it's cold mine squat down and fluff their feathers. Their feet disappear in those feathers whether they are on the narrow edge of a 2x4 or a tree limb. I never had an issue with frostbit feet. If I lived where it was -20 F it might be a different story.

 

[BabasCoop]

Just finished our coop and we used the flat side of a 2x4 and our chicks seem much happier and more secure perching on it.

I also slightly rounded the edges with a sander.

 

[mule ears]

Somehow I missed all these replies! dang I wanted to say I told him so but I guess it really does depend maybe ill just have to do both.