What is the best shape for a roost?

[aart]

I did ask the birds. They said people worry about this a lot more than chickens do.

Hear Hear!!

 

[k2panman]

Ok, I'm going to go with the science. Thanks again Howard E for posting the links. So the studies showed that a 2x2 (1.5"x1.5") piece of lumber with the corners rounded off - is that what they concluded was the healthiest for the little birdies feet?

 

[cmom]

You can research it and many people have different ideas of the perfect roost. When I did my research (a long time ago), most advocated 2x4's with the 4" side up. It gives them better support for their feet and they don't have to wrap their toes around it. You can round off the edges but I didn't.

 

[Howard E]

Congratulations for staying with that article to the end. Yes, that is what they concluded. A 2 x 2.

If the span is a bit longer, and you have more of them, a good alternative is a 2 x 4, ripped down the middle such that it then becomes 1.5" x 1.75", and then put the 1.5" side up. The modest rectangle is a bit stronger so it does not sag as much under the weight of lots of birds over a span. A lot of 2 x 4's sold as studs also have the edges eased about the perfect amount for this.

BTW, this is chicken house is probably close to 100 years old and is still standing.


These were the elevated roosts they built for it, and are positioned over droppings boards. (enlarge photo, roosts are hiding under some of the crap lumber that was piled on top of them). Those are 2 x 2's.

This was a farm sized house that may have housed as many as 100 birds. Old school stuff, and this is how they did it.

 

[Howard E]

Again for those who didn't look at the article, when science has studied what is is the proper roost for a chicken, it is one that allows them to grasp the roost/perch with their toes, front AND back. They grasp it, then when the settle down, the tendons in their legs flex and they lock down to it, while at the same time, resting their keel bone on the flat topside. It is not one or the other, but both. So the 2 x 2 gives them the best shot at both.

 

[cmom]

Everyone will have a different opinion. My suggestion is what works best for you and your birds (bantam and/or Large fowl). There are many opinions and studies concerning the perfect roost size, round or flat 2x2 or 2x4, etc. Good luck and have fun...
https://www.hgtv.com/outdoors/gardens/animals-and-wildlife/why-chickens-roost
https://countrysidenetwork.com/daily/poultry/chicken-coops-housing/guide-to-chicken-roosting-bars/

 

[GC-Raptor]

I built my coop over 2 years ago. I researched everything on BYC and I decided on 2"x3" and will build my next coop with the same size. It allows the middle toe and rear toe to curl over the edge for my Golden Comets.

Last winter it was 15F below zero twice. With several days below zero .
The year before it was 13F below zero twice with several days below zero.
In their unheated coop it was around 7 degrees warmer.
None of my girls got frostbite on toes.
For a full size chicken l recommend a 2"x3". I took a sander to the edges to smooth them . GC

 

[littledog]

Love all this roost discussion, and the scientific research behind it! My question is, does a roost need to be solid? By that I mean, does it need to be a straight, immovable board, a branch, etc. or will chickens roost comfortably on something non-solid, like a chain covered with a canvas sheath or something similar, stretched between two points?
I'm asking because I'm trying to design a new coop (out of an old horse trailer) and would like it if the roosts could be moved around or taken out of the way for cleaning.

 

[aart]

Love all this roost discussion, and the scientific research behind it! My question is, does a roost need to be solid? By that I mean, does it need to be a straight, immovable board, a branch, etc. or will chickens roost comfortably on something non-solid, like a chain covered with a canvas sheath or something similar, stretched between two points?
I'm asking because I'm trying to design a new coop (out of an old horse trailer) and would like it if the roosts could be moved around or taken out of the way for cleaning.

I would think they'd be much more comfortable on something stable/immobile.
That way if one bird moves it doesn't set the whole roost moving and throw the other birds off balance. There are many ways to make solid roosts removable for cleaning.

 

[cmom]

I agree.