Roosts

[MayberrySaint]

Instead of building a frame to place my 2x4 roosts on, do you think it would work to suspend 2x4s from the ceiling using chain. The perches (roosts) would swing...would this be a problem? Maybe too unsteady? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Andy

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Hi, my birds don't like moving roosts at all. And I am really not sure, but I think a "rounder" roost would work better. Chickens have a "lock on" feature where their toes curl around the roost and then automatically tighten/grip (so they don't fall off in sleep). So you may want to consider rethinking the roost plans. If you could use a large dowel rod or even slightly roughened surface pvc piping, those would probably work better. We have LOTs of trees around, so ours are made of natural tree limbs of various sizes.

Best wishes!

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Just something to consider- In colder temperatures, a flat roost, such as a 2x4 (4" side up) works well. The birds hunker down over their feet and keep their toes warm with their body heat, as opposed to round roost poles where their toes are left uncovered.

As for a swinging roost..I don't know, I guess you can try it and see what they think.

 

[fowlweatherfriends]

Hi accidental,
I haven't had a problem with the round roosts yet. My birds hunker down each evening and cover their feet and legs with feathers-it looks as if they are touching "butts down" on them. Myself, from what I've researched, it appears as if leg and foot problems occur when they aren't allowed to utilize the natural curve and grip feature. I don't know for sure

, it seems sometimes like there is so much information to decide upon when it comes to chickens

.

Maybe offering the 2X4's and also some rounder, more natural roosts would give the birds choices. I may try the 2x4's myself and see what mine prefer (spoiled rotten chickens!).

Best wishes

 

[AccidentalFarm]

Offering both perches is probably a very smart idea. I may do the same.
I didn't mention, and probably should have, that if you round off the edges of the 2x4's, it provides more of the curved shaped. I did this. But it's a pain to do...I did see some banister railing at home depot that looks to be the perfect roost shape. I am also getting a length of it to try out.
Also, I have almost no winter to speak of, and my coop is pretty tight, so I don't have the worry of cold chickie toes. This was just information I had seen repeated often for folks that are up in the northern climes.

As for what my chickens currently prefer...I've seen them on the 2x4, in the bedding, on a shelf, and on top of the (wire top) in-coop brooder. And if i'm in there, they climb all over me. Usually, whatever the highest space they can get to that isn't already taken up by chicken bodies is where they go first.