Roosts

[Tala]

I know many of you use 2x4's for roosts, so they are 2" wide I assume. Just wondering if they have to be that wide or will a smaller "diameter" work? I'm trying to make use of some scraps which are about 1" wide.

It never gets very cold in Arkansas so frostbitten toes isn't a concern of mine, but I do want my ladies to be comfortable.

My old neighbors free ranged and most of their birds roosted in trees, and my grandma's old hens had a board I think, kindof a ledge, so I'm really not too sure what they really need or like.

 

[Delta2 23]

My roosts are about the same width as tree branches. about 1 inch wide.

they used to sleep on a cardboard box!

 

[flopshot]

i sat back and read the posts and watched my birds as they grew trying to make a decision on the roost boards. though they are birds, the chicks preffer to sit flat on the roost compared to my parrots which never "sit" on a perch but grab and stand sometimes on one foot. the chicks would lay on the wide side of a 1 X 2 and hang their heads over. i decided to go with the wide side of a 2X4 for my roost.

 

[Ridgerunner]

The narrow side of a 2x4 is actually only 1-1/2 inched thick, so a true 1" thick board isn't that far off.

Not sure which size chickens you have. If they are bantams, I'd think 1" wide would work fine. They might be a little small for full-sized chickens, although I'm sure some people use them successfully. If you use a board, round the corners off as it is more comfortable for them.

I'm using some oak tree branches Mother Nature made available in our recent ice storm. I made them removable by drilling a hole in the end of the roost branches and in the supports and putting a large nail through. This will be handy when it is time to clean the coop. Also, the bark needs to come off as it gives mites a good place to hide and it is hard to treat for them with the bark on.

I agree you do not need the 2x4's flat. It does get cold enough here for frostbite if you don't have good ventilation to get rid of the humidity. I had 2 nights down into single digits this year. Not sure where you are in Arkansas, but you will see some weather cold enough to be a problem without decent ventilation. I also gave mine over 12" of roost area each as our summer nights can get a little steamy and they need to be able to spread out a little. Summertime is another good reason for good ventilation.

Good luck

 

[Tala]

I ended up using a 1"x4" and putting it flat, because I have noticed that they have bad balance, little grip, and like to sit their booty down on the roost.

Hope they approve!