Size For Roost

[walker1229]

About how wide should I make the roost bars for 10-15 chickens? I am flexible on the height but don't want it super tall, probably like shoulder height on a 5" 4' person Just not sure how wide to make it.

 

[MeepBeep]

You need about 10" per adult bird, or about 14-15 linear feet in your case and 3 1/2" wide roost aka 2x4 on it's side...

Beware of height, not all birds can jump to a 5 foot or so shoulder height, you might need to make a roost somewhere between 24"-36" off the ground for those birds that lack flight and jumping ability...

 

[walker1229]

I was thinking about making it like a ladder I guess I should have said that, so several rows angled back if that makes since.

 

[walker1229]

so how wide should be the part their feet are resting? Is that the 4" of the 2x4?

 

[MeepBeep]

so how wide should be the part their feet are resting? Is that the 4" of the 2x4?

Yes the wide side is the side they should rest on, this allow them to lower their body and cover all their toes... If they are on a thin roost the tips of the toes will be wrapped around the roost and not insulated by feathers when they sit down...

I was thinking about making it like a ladder I guess I should have said that, so several rows angled back if that makes since. 

Same difference 14-15 linear feet for your 15 birds... If you have two perches that would be about 7.5 feet a perch, if you have three perches that would be about 5 feet a perch, total linear feet of about 14-15... Perches should also be spaced about one horizontal and one vertical foot apart if doing a ladder, or else the upper birds will poop all over the lower birds...

 

[walker1229]

Thanks so much!