What is the best shape for a roost?

[Howard E]

I've had a hard time convincing most folks on BYC of this, but there actually is a scientifically studied correct roost design......(a 2 x 2 with top edges eased)....

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/proper-design-of-roost-bars.1197058/

These modern era guys came to the same conclusion as poultry science researchers did 100 years ago.

BTW, as per some of the humane society bunch that cares about animal welfare, etc. one of their requirements is also a perch of this same type of design. They call them perches....not roosts......but theory is the same. Birds as supposed to be able to grasp the perch with both front and back toes......not just balance on a wide board as they do with 2 x 4's, wide side up.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I love @Ridgerunner 's experiment. Just goes to prove there isn't only one way to do it. Me, I went with branches, about 2" diameter (because that's what my bracket holds) - they're free, they don't get pooped on because they're round, and the birds haven't complained.

 

[k2panman]

Mahalo everyone. I suppose that chickens and roost bars are a lot like people and pillows. There are lots of shapes and sizes. Some people prefer one over another, some just sleep on whatever there is, some find out after having problems that there is a more correct pillow design to prevent neck problems - and chickens are probably the same way.

I started to read the study pointed to by Howard (mahalo Howard) - I'll try to finish reading it later, but I saw that round steel pipe looks to be the worst for a roost bar. Padded roost bar??? Anyone use these?

Maybe we just need chicken shoes - or chicken booties to sleep in!

So, does anyone have a chicken with foot problems? What kind of perch do you use?

 

[kritter mamag thad]

do

Ridgerunner I loved your post. I think you are right. We worry more than they do.

I have always used closet poles as that is what I thought a chicken roost was to look like.
But then found a study on chicken roosts. If I recall correctly the longer they will have to roost the flatter the better - something about the breast bone.

 

[Folly's place]

I have saplings, and a fence rail, and 4" fence posts 8' up as rafters. Higher is better, and the birds use all of the other roosts as they can fly up to them (3' to 4' up) so there are lots of choices in my coop. I feel that chickens are meant to roost in trees, not on flat lumber, and agree that they likely don't really care. It's much more about location!
Mary

 

[platypusGold]

I set up a removable 2x4 (flat side) for them, they choose to ignore this and roost on the 2x2 that connects it to the wall...

 

[CannedMonster]

Ours liked a 2” roost when they were littles, now they have a 4” ladder roost.
They seem happy with it.
It has hinges at the top so it can be lowered when I’m cleaning.

 

[k2panman]

So mostly I guess that most chickens really don't care much about the shape of their roost bar. Most chickens, and most of us humans don't live to a ripe old age either. But when we get really old, we probably would do well with all the pampering we can get!

When I was a teenager, I could get drunk and pass out on a concrete floor, sleep the whole night, wake up in the morning, dust off and go on my way! If I did that now... I'd be waking up in the hospital!

 

[cmom]

It is more of the peoples preference than the birds. I agree with most of the posters, I use 2x4's with the 4" side up for them to roost on. I haven't had any complaints

 

[cmom]

Ridgerunner I loved your post. I think you are right. We worry more than they do.

I have always used closet poles as that is what I thought a chicken roost was to look like.
But then found a study on chicken roosts. If I recall correctly the longer they will have to roost the flatter the better - something about the breast bone.