When should I put a place to roost in brooder?

[Real McChicks]

Our chicklets are 10 days old. I had read that we should put a low roost in at about 2 weeks. Yesterday, my daughter put a piece of wood into the brooder across the food and water feeders- so its 10+ inches high. Twice now we have found the BR chick sitting up there. We didnt see her get up there, but obviously she can! Should I add a roosting spot for all of them? If so- how high should it be and how big of a piece of wood?

 

[Pharm Girl]

They likely won't roost at night for a little while, but it is always good for them to get the practice. Never too soon to start in my opinion. They love a good jungle gym. When they all start to figure it out, I'd get the food and water out from under it or it will get covered in droppings.

 

[Hummingbird Hollow]

Quote:
I agree completely. Within the first few days that I had chicks I had put some small pieces of 2'X4' in the corners of the brooder to hold the paper towels in place and I noticed that they were all trying to get up on top of those little blocks of wood, so I fashioned some little perches out of scrap wood in different configurations and heights and traded them in and out when I cleaned the brooder. They always enjoyed exploring on them and would hop up and flap their silly little chick wings all proud of themselves.

 

[Arielle]

I built a simple design, based on the scraps I had available. I looked for poles larger than their feet as they will grow fast and the feet do get bigger. A flat piece of wood 1 1/2 " square, and placed them about 6" off the floor using what ever is available and very stable. THe pole cannot roll, it must be rock solid. I drill a hole and put in a long screw to fasten the legs to the pole.

 

[TheJuan-n-Only]

I had 2 possible roosting areas from day one...all branches from the backyard. a 2" one on the ground (as a "starter" roost lol)and the other 2 about 8" or 9" they didn't sleep there but they sure love to jump on during the day...