Roosts??

[Dixiedoodle]

Can you use a 'shelf' as a roost or do they really need a pole -type roost?? I know that the 'shelf' will get more soiled than a pole. My uncle's chickens roost on the top of his nest boxes and seem very happy--they seem to prefer the flat 'shelf' area over the poles! Thanks for your help..Dixie

 

[sunnysidecluckers]

I use a shelf. Yes it does get more soiled. I put lots of shavings on it and it helps. You can use 1x6 planks. That is what I use

 

[ibpboo]

My hens have a shelf to roost on. It does get dirty, but they like it just fine, just scrape it often. There's branches nearby but they sit on shelf.

 

[bills]

Some of my birds used the dropping board as a roost, the first few days after I got them, and seemed quite comfy. Now the pecking order is established they all sit on the roost.

A friend of mine uses a board as a roost for years, and her chickens like it fine. Every day she puts on a pair of kitchen gloves and picks the poop out of the shavings she has on the board, then adds shavings. It seems to work very well. She has a little lip around the 10" wide board so the shavings don't all fall to the floor.