What shape of roosts do you use in your chicken coop?

[RoosterML]

I use thick branches 4”+ and 4x4. They use them all.

 

[Ridgerunner]

If you read this experiment you'll see that they don't care if the roosts are flat, round, narrow, or wide. People do but chickens don't.

Perch Experiment

https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/the-perch-experiment.74272/

If you look at this photo you'll see that the can actually grip.

This photo is my main roosts, made from tree branches. I used them because an ice storm the previous winter made them available when I needed something.

This photo shows my juvenile roost, a 2x4 on edge. I used it because it was available when I needed something.

I did some experimenting myself before the guy that did the experiment documented above. I used tree branches, 2x4's flat, 2x4's on edge and reached the same conclusion he did. People care about this but chickens don't.

 

[RumneyRoost]

I use 2x4 flat/wide side up.
If I lived somewhere warm year round than I wouldn’t care so much.
But when it’s dark for 14-15 hrs/day and the temp dips to -30C I want to make sure those toes stay warm.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I had a 2x4 in my coop that twisted when I screwed it in. The chickens would not use it. It ended up with a slightly sloped surface. After several months, I added some chickens and needed the roosting space. I took it apart and put it back, making sure the 4" flat surface was up. They use it now. I don't know, maybe that pointed edge up hurt their feet.

 

[Flockincrazy]

mine are tree branches from a tree we cut down

 

[Compost King]

I just use what I have handy when I slap a coop together. I prefer 2x3's sideways but sometimes I just use Bamboo... chickens hate Bamboo roosts BTW.

 

[reddogmaster2]

2x4's with wide side up.

 

[reddogmaster2]

When they were CLEAN during the build!

 

[M Brennen]

We use 2x4s stood on edge. The birds seem to like this as they often roost in the rafters of their coop.

 

[RoosterML]

We use 2x4s stood on edge. The birds seem to like this as they often roost in the rafters of their coop.

My guess would be they like the rafters because of how high they are. They told me they didn’t like 2x4 on edge