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Size of "rails" for them to "sit" on

Discussion in 'Coop & Run - Design, Construction, & Maintenance' started by NCVic, May 14, 2011.

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  1. May 14, 2011 #1
    NCVic

    NCVic Out Of The Brooder

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    May 14, 2011
    I am building my coop and have my girls in a box built of pallets I get free at work. They perch on the rails of the pallets and I want to build them a proper place to perch. Can anyone advise as to the proper size for a set of rails for them to sit on? Is wood best? Is plastic too slick? I am on a strict budget and am trying to use the pieces I already have to improve the "coop" so a general size & best material would be a great help! They are full sized reds and will need a box for laying soon. They seem to have really big feet!
    Thanks for the help.
     
  3. May 14, 2011 #2
    coloradonewbie

    coloradonewbie Out Of The Brooder

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    If you put in 'roosts' in the search bar, you'll get lots of threads! Wood is definitely best, and a lot of people use a 2X4, with the flat side so they can stand on it (chickens don't perch). I'm a newbie, so I'd suggest looking up older threads, or looking in the learning center on this site . . . . Lots of experts on here, that's for sure!

    Good luck!

    [​IMG]
     
  5. May 14, 2011 #3
    CoyoteMagic

    CoyoteMagic RIP ?-2014

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    only the shadow knows.....
    plastic gets slick when it's covered with poo. like suggested 2x4 flat side up. Chickens like to sit on their feet at night.
     
  7. May 14, 2011 #4
    savingpurple

    savingpurple Chillin' With My Peeps

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    I know I used all fallen branches in my outdoor run. They use it to "for lack of correct term" grind down the beak, and pick at the bark. I have 2 acres of woods on the property, so they will always be available to me.

    As you, I am on a tight budget. We had all used 2 x 4's, scrap molding, and all kinds of wood parts and pieces. So the inside roosts are made up of many woods, and sizes.

    They are just starting to use the ladder we made. I am so happy. So is my husband as he thought it would be a waste of time, but did it for me. He seen the one use it today! One down, 6 to go !

    Good luck !I am new too, so I am just learning, and can only tell you what I know at 2 months of being an owner. LOL
     
  9. May 14, 2011 #5
    NCVic

    NCVic Out Of The Brooder

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    Thanks all! Not what I expected so I am glad I asked. With six of them, will one or two boards a few feet long be ok? I will do the recommended search.
    Thanks again!
     
  11. May 14, 2011 #6
    NCVic

    NCVic Out Of The Brooder

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    One more thing - I assume the box for the laying of eggs should also be up fairly high, am I right? Should the roosting and laying areas be separated by as great a distance as possible or just a foot or two? I'm thinking of the cleaning aspect. Or do I make it as easy for me to get to and let the girls adjust?!
     
  13. May 14, 2011 #7
    Hillbilly Hen

    Hillbilly Hen Overrun With Chickens

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    If you put the nest boxes up high then the hens will have a tendancy to sleep in them. Better to put them down lower. I have even used the covered kitty litter boxes for the nest boxes and that works great.
     
    Last edited: May 14, 2011
  15. May 14, 2011 #8
    gryeyes

    gryeyes Covered in Pet Hair & Feathers

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    My slice of heaven in Somerset, CA
    Roosts should be higher than the tops of the nest boxes, so the chickens won't want to roost on the nest boxes themselves. (Or put slanted tops on the nest boxes so they cannot perch there.)
     
  17. May 14, 2011 #9
    Yay Chicks!

    Yay Chicks! Chillin' With My Peeps

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    If you still have questions, spend some time in the coops section of the forum. You'll see all sorts of inspiring things, from the very fancy to that which didn't cost a thing. Good Luck [​IMG]
     
  19. May 14, 2011 #10
    zookeeper15133

    zookeeper15133 Chillin' With My Peeps

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    The recommended space for roosts is 1 linear foot per bird.

    2x3's, 2x4's or the center boards of your pallets will work.

    You want the nest boxes off the floor but lower than your roosts.

    As long as they are far enough away from the roosts so the birds don't poo in them is fine.

    Good luck!

    Post pics!
     
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