Round verses square roost.

[ThaiChick]

So I just found out that we will be moving in a couple of months. That means a new coop for my flock. I'm already day dreamin about my ideal coop. I might get to start from scatch this time, so I'd like some input. I've been pouring over coop pictures and posts. I've noticed that some folks have square roosts, some round and some tree limbs. What are everyones thoughts on these types of roosts?

 

[devora]

My chickens' feet are flat when they rest, so I gave them a flat surface to sleep on.

 

[Squirrel Brandy]

I'm going to use a small lodgepole pine for my new roost. About 4-5 inch diameter so they are sorta in between flat and clutching a round dowel for a roost.

 

[chickenbythesea]

Since our coop is in the woods we used thick branches/small trees that we cut down for their roosts. I like the natural look and I feel (but hey who really knows) that the rough bark gives them something to hold on to when their roosting and moving around.

 

[slabcrappy]

I ripped a 2X6 in half and routered the edges with a rounding bit. So to answer your question, mine are both flat with rounded edges.

 

[Lmoreau70]

We used 2 x 4 with the 4' up. I read somewhere here that in cold climates such as ours it is good for the winters so that the girls can cover their feet with their bodies to keep them warm and not get frostbite. So far I have heard no complaints from them.

 

[Joe.G]

I used 5 to 6 Inch round tree limbs, there feet stay pretty plat on them and they can cover them when they sit.

 

[ThaiChick]

Thanks for everyones input. slabcrappy, I just read about your method in a coop building plan. It stated that one should avoid sharp edges on the roost. So it seems that square or round would work as long as the bird could get a good grip.

 

[Time-Out]

I've offered both flat and round and they all prefer round. I don't mean the really thin dowl thing, I used about 2-3 inch thick branches.

 

[KimKimWilliamso]

I have one round tree limb and one flat-ish piece of driftwood in my coop. I figured they could choose which they preffer. The flatter piece is rounded at the edges, but allows them to have thier feet totally flat while roosting. I have found that the Roo and the two youngest preffer the round, and the two older hens preffer the flat, so Im guessing when given the option, you chickens choice will vary, but if you dont give them the option, they'l cope with what they have, LOL