roosts

[the simple life]

question, I have seen roosts in pictures done two ways.One is the roost all the way acrosst the coop.
The other is like a ladder from floor to almost ceiling.
Any thoughts?
Also, how big would I need one for 20 or so chickens?
They all must use it at the same time to sleep on?

 

[stilwellchick]

I like to give about 8-10 " per bird. I am a strong believer in using 2"x4"s with the edges rounded off a bit. I read a study from K-State that said this prevents foot problems later from too small of a perch. The standard breeds like to rest their bodies on their feet. Also a roost too high is not good for the heavy birds to be jumping down from, hard on the feet and legs. Good luck with your coop!

 

[chickflick]

I guess it depends on how your coop is laid out. Do you have room for a ladder type? I've got the ladder type....3 different heights....one at 3ft, one at 4ft and one at 5 ft. They all like to sleep as high as they can get, so most of them are on the 5ft roost...even my little silkies. 2x4 with the 4'' side facing up.

 

[smom1976]

so your 2x4 is flat not vertical? I am designing mine too I was thinking that I had to put them in so that the chickens are sitting on the 2 in side. but you are saying that they stand on the 4 in side..

 

[stilwellchick]

Yes, they like the wide side to rest their bodies on. I like to slightly round off the edges, better for the feet.

 

[the simple life]

I notice that some people post pics of their nest boxes and they have a roost across the front of them.Is that instead of a regular roost or in addition to?
Isn't that one more place for them to mess up underneath if they roost there or is it to help them get into the nests?

 

[stilwellchick]

It is to have something to land on to get into the nest box.