Roosts

[goldenberry]

Hi, I've read about so many different types and sizes of materials to use in making a roost, I'm confused about what I should use. I'm not sure which would be best. Any ideas?

Thanks!

 

[bj taylor]

hi goldenberry;
things I've learned about roosts:
*higher than nest boxes to prevent them roosting in the nest boxes.
*height depends on breed of chicken. I raise heavy breeds so no higher than 36" max. I don't want them getting injured jumping down.
*I use wood because that's what I've got. some of the roosts are round, but I didn't make them thick enough. if I did it again, I would make them about 3 1/2" to 4" diameter. other roosts I have are nothing but a 2 x 4 on it's side so they stand on the broad side. the only problem with that so far is it tends to be a little slippery.
* there is a huge "pecking order " thing that chickens live by. I give them as much roosting space as I can manage in the coop. I have a couple of bratty girls that want big space between them and the next chicken. so I sacrificed pretty for functionality in order to add roosting space.

 

[centrarchid]

My preference is to use wood or bamboo, ideally that which is round. I like to size to birds can barely rap toes all the way around. It needs to be plenty stiff to support all birds on it which places limits in length between load bearing supports. Sometimes it is hard to beat an old branch stripped of smaller offshoots.

You can use cut lumber as well but it is harder for birds to grip during winding conditions. I am not sure about health issues some bring up as I have not observed such problems with some of my birds that have roosted as individuals on such for years.

 

[goldenberry]

We only have one roost now (we have 8 chicks - 8 wks. old) and they tend to knock one another off the roost while they are trying to perch so we definitely need a second one. If we use a 2 x 4, do you think it would help if I painted it with sanded paint so it wouldn't be slippery? Watching the chickens is so much fun! Thanks for all the help everyone!!

 

[centrarchid]

Can you make so roost is simply longer? They want to roost in contact with each other at that age.

 

[goldenberry]

Hi. Thanks for your info. I think I'm going to try a 2 x 4 board, and a branch so the girls can have a variety. If they all tend to want to roost on the same one, we'll go with that one. With all their different personalities, the odds are part of them will prefer the 2 x 4 and the others the branch. This should be interesting! I should have thought of this before I bothered you experienced chicken people. I really appreciate all the help I'm getting, I couldn't do it without everyone's advice!!

 

[Daisy8s]

I had two branches as roosts for about a year. Then the birds began to have trouble staying on--they'd fall off at the slightest jostle. I realized the bark had worn smooth so it was very slick. Didn't know that could happen. Maybe it depends on the type of wood; can't tell you what I used because I don't know what it was.

I removed the branches and put in 2 1/2 inch wide boards--two pieces sistered together for strength. It holds even my big roo with no problem.

The biggest thing I wish I'd known was to allow flight/gliding distance from the roost to the next wall. My top roost is 4 ft high and 5 ft from the wall yet my poor rooster bangs into the wall almost every morning. He can't seem to just hop straight down as I'd thought they all would.

I also recommend doing the deep litter method as it provides nice cushioning for landing off a high perch--very spongy.

 

[jcocojen]

I had two branches as roosts for about a year. Then the birds began to have trouble staying on--they'd fall off at the slightest jostle. I realized the bark had worn smooth so it was very slick. Didn't know that could happen. Maybe it depends on the type of wood; can't tell you what I used because I don't know what it was.

I removed the branches and put in 2 1/2 inch wide boards--two pieces sistered together for strength. It holds even my big roo with no problem.

The biggest thing I wish I'd known was to allow flight/gliding distance from the roost to the next wall. My top roost is 4 ft high and 5 ft from the wall yet my poor rooster bangs into the wall almost every morning. He can't seem to just hop straight down as I'd thought they all would.

I also recommend doing the deep litter method as it provides nice cushioning for landing off a high perch--very spongy.

 

 

[centrarchid]

I had two branches as roosts for about a year. Then the birds began to have trouble staying on--they'd fall off at the slightest jostle. I realized the bark had worn smooth so it was very slick. Didn't know that could happen. Maybe it depends on the type of wood; can't tell you what I used because I don't know what it was.

I removed the branches and put in 2 1/2 inch wide boards--two pieces sistered together for strength. It holds even my big roo with no problem.

The biggest thing I wish I'd known was to allow flight/gliding distance from the roost to the next wall. My top roost is 4 ft high and 5 ft from the wall yet my poor rooster bangs into the wall almost every morning. He can't seem to just hop straight down as I'd thought they all would.

I also recommend doing the deep litter method as it provides nice cushioning for landing off a high perch--very spongy.

Rule of thumb the chickens seem to follow when roosting in trees is that branch diameter is just big enough they can not wrap there toes all the way around. They will roost on larger diameters but diameters too large or small make falling out during heavy winds more likely. The smoothness issue does play a role with some types of tree where bark comes off easily. Oak trees are good regardless although some trees the bark sloughs off leaving a very slick surface. I can use oak dowels turned on lathe and sanded but they are more expensive that comparable options.

 

[shmccarthy]

I have a mixture of oak branches (from a tree that fell in our yard) and 2x4s sliced in half. All are the same height up, 4 feet, and I have found that the chickens at the top of the order prefer the oak branches. The rest will sleep on the cut wood. The bantams I noticed really enjoy the cut wood.