I have three birds and a wide roost bar and they take turns using it, but almost always someone is sleeping in the nesting area. It is not a problem to clean up the entire upper area each day, roost and nest. I like the fine wood shaving litter - so easy to clean. I think I read somewhere the wide roost is what they like and not a perch, with the difference being the width. Plus, in cold times they put their breast over their feet which keeps them warm and tuck their head under their wing.
It could be my roost bar is not long enough - or maybe the nest is so comfy. There is only one roost bar in my small Ark coop and it is wide (about 3" and sanded on the edges as to not give splinters). It is about 3 feet or so long (maybe not long enough) for 3 chickens but it seems it could be if they sat side by side with an inch or so between them I guess. I don't want to put a roost in the run as I don't want them hanging out there at dark. Each night at dusk all 3 walk up the ladder and when all 3 are up, I pull up the ladder and lock them in for the night. At this point - I kind of don't care how they arrange themselves to make themselves comfy. They were floor raised started pullets, and before I got them, they had not even seen grass, soft litter, a roost, or a nest box. They probably just slept on the floor I'm guessing. (McMurray website said they were floor raised) so I'm guessing that is what that literally means.
I could cover my nest box area but I don't mind someone sleeping there. Not a big deal for me. I clean the upper part every morning after I lower the ladder - takes 2 minutes.
