roosts

[Chick_in_Indiana]

i bought hand railling for the new roosts i'm making. it is a true 1"x1", sanded, and nice rounded edges. i want to do the ladder type. how far should i space the perches apart. i have all different sizes of chickens and guineas too. thanks for any help, Krista

 

[silkiechicken]

I hear 12 inches by 12 inches apart is a good spacing to have if you go back and up if you understand what I mean. However... I think 1x1's will a)sag and b) be too small to properly support the feet of larger chickens. They sit rather than grab onto perches and sometimes I hear of breast blisters forming when too much pressure is held on a small spot on a roost. I recommend 2x4's with the flat side up if you have standards.

 

[CUDA]

I agree with the 2x4s, it will help with frostbite on the toes.

 

[Wynette]

I switched from a 1x1 to 2x4s because my girls weren't using the 1x1, and they now all sleep on the 2x4 roost.

 

[Chick_in_Indiana]

thanks for the info. after i posted this last night i started doing some reading and they say bantams can use 1x1s but a 2x4 is better for heavy breeds. i think i will use the 2x4. thanks.